1
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Zhong BL, Elliot JM, Wang P, Li H, Hall RN, Wang B, Prakash M, Dunn AR. Split Luciferase Molecular Tension Sensors for Bioluminescent Readout of Mechanical Forces in Biological Systems. ACS Sens 2024; 9:3489-3495. [PMID: 38973210 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The ability of proteins to sense and transmit mechanical forces underlies many biological processes, but characterizing these forces in biological systems remains a challenge. Existing genetically encoded force sensors typically rely on fluorescence or bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (FRET or BRET) to visualize tension. However, these force sensing modules are relatively large, and interpreting measurements requires specialized image analysis and careful control experiments. Here, we report a compact molecular tension sensor that generates a bioluminescent signal in response to tension. This sensor (termed PILATeS) makes use of the split NanoLuc luciferase and consists of the H. sapiens titin I10 domain with the insertion of a 10-15 amino acid tag derived from the C-terminal β-strand of NanoLuc. Mechanical load across PILATeS mediates exposure of this tag to recruit the complementary split NanoLuc fragment, resulting in force-dependent bioluminescence. We demonstrate the ability of PILATeS to report biologically meaningful forces by visualizing forces at the interface between integrins and extracellular matrix substrates. We further use PILATeS as a genetically encoded sensor of tension experienced by the mechanosensing protein vinculin. We anticipate that PILATeS will provide an accessible means of visualizing molecular-scale forces in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Zhong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jeandele M Elliot
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Pengli Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Hongquan Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - R Nelson Hall
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexander R Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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2
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Shoyer TC, Collins KL, Ham TR, Blanchard AT, Malavade JN, Johns BA, West JL, Hoffman BD. Detection of fluorescent protein mechanical switching in cellulo. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100815. [PMID: 38986612 PMCID: PMC11294842 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces is critical in many physiological and pathological processes. However, determining the mechanisms by which forces affect protein function inside cells remains challenging. Motivated by in vitro demonstrations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) undergoing reversible mechanical switching of fluorescence, we investigated whether force-sensitive changes in FP function could be visualized in cells. Guided by a computational model of FP mechanical switching, we develop a formalism for its detection in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors and demonstrate its occurrence in cellulo within a synthetic actin crosslinker and the mechanical linker protein vinculin. We find that in cellulo mechanical switching is reversible and altered by manipulation of cell force generation, external stiffness, and force-sensitive bond dynamics of the biosensor. This work describes a framework for assessing FP mechanical stability and provides a means of probing force-sensitive protein function inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Curtis Shoyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Kasie L Collins
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Aaron T Blanchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Benjamin A Johns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Jennifer L West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.
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3
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Shoyer TC, Collins KL, Ham TR, Blanchard AT, Malavade JN, West JL, Hoffman BD. Detection of Fluorescent Protein Mechanical Switching in Cellulo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575065. [PMID: 38260589 PMCID: PMC10802509 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces is critical in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the mechanisms by which forces affect protein function inside cells remain unclear. Motivated by in vitro demonstrations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) undergoing reversible mechanical switching of fluorescence, we investigated if force-sensitive changes in FP function could be visualized in cells. Guided by a computational model of FP mechanical switching, we develop a formalism for its detection in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors and demonstrate its occurrence in cellulo in a synthetic actin-crosslinker and the mechanical linker protein vinculin. We find that in cellulo mechanical switching is reversible and altered by manipulation of cellular force generation as well as force-sensitive bond dynamics of the biosensor. Together, this work describes a new framework for assessing FP mechanical stability and provides a means of probing force-sensitive protein function inside cells. MOTIVATION The ability of cells to sense mechanical forces is critical in developmental, physiological, and pathological processes. Cells sense mechanical cues via force-induced alterations in protein structure and function, but elucidation of the molecular mechanisms is hindered by the lack of approaches to directly probe the effect of forces on protein structure and function inside cells. Motivated by in vitro observations of reversible fluorescent protein mechanical switching, we developed an approach for detecting fluorescent protein mechanical switching in cellulo . This enables the visualization of force-sensitive protein function inside living cells.
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4
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Chirasani VR, Khan MAI, Malavade JN, Dokholyan NV, Hoffman BD, Campbell SL. Molecular basis and cellular functions of vinculin-actin directional catch bonding. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8300. [PMID: 38097542 PMCID: PMC10721916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells and tissues to respond differentially to mechanical forces applied in distinct directions is mediated by the ability of load-bearing proteins to preferentially maintain physical linkages in certain directions. However, the molecular basis and biological consequences of directional force-sensitive binding remain unclear. Vinculin (Vcn) is a load-bearing linker protein that exhibits directional catch bonding due to interactions between the Vcn tail domain (Vt) and filamentous (F)-actin. We developed a computational approach to predict Vcn residues involved in directional catch bonding and produced a set of associated Vcn variants with unaltered Vt structure, actin binding, or phospholipid interactions. Incorporation of the variants did not affect Vcn activation but reduced Vcn loading and altered exchange dynamics, consistent with the loss of directional catch bonding. Expression of Vcn variants perturbed the coordination of subcellular structures and cell migration, establishing key cellular functions for Vcn directional catch bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mohammad Ashhar I Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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5
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Shoyer TC, Gates EM, Cabe JI, Urs AN, Conway DE, Hoffman BD. Coupling during collective cell migration is controlled by a vinculin mechanochemical switch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316456120. [PMID: 38055737 PMCID: PMC10722971 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316456120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to move in a mechanically coupled, coordinated manner, referred to as collective cell migration, is central to many developmental, physiological, and pathophysiological processes. Limited understanding of how mechanical forces and biochemical regulation interact to affect coupling has been a major obstacle to unravelling the underlying mechanisms. Focusing on the linker protein vinculin, we use a suite of Förster resonance energy transfer-based biosensors to probe its mechanical functions and biochemical regulation, revealing a switch that toggles vinculin between loadable and unloadable states. Perturbation of the switch causes covarying changes in cell speed and coordination, suggesting alteration of the friction within the system. Molecular scale modelling reveals that increasing levels of loadable vinculin increases friction, due to engagement of self-stabilizing catch bonds. Together, this work reveals a regulatory switch for controlling cell coupling and describes a paradigm for relating biochemical regulation, altered mechanical properties, and changes in cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Curtis Shoyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Evan M. Gates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Jolene I. Cabe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23284
| | - Aarti N. Urs
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
| | - Daniel E. Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Brenton D. Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
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6
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Franz F, Tapia-Rojo R, Winograd-Katz S, Boujemaa-Paterski R, Li W, Unger T, Albeck S, Aponte-Santamaria C, Garcia-Manyes S, Medalia O, Geiger B, Gräter F. Allosteric activation of vinculin by talin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4311. [PMID: 37463895 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The talin-vinculin axis is a key mechanosensing component of cellular focal adhesions. How talin and vinculin respond to forces and regulate one another remains unclear. By combining single-molecule magnetic tweezers experiments, Molecular Dynamics simulations, actin-bundling assays, and adhesion assembly experiments in live cells, we here describe a two-ways allosteric network within vinculin as a regulator of the talin-vinculin interaction. We directly observe a maturation process of vinculin upon talin binding, which reinforces the binding to talin at a rate of 0.03 s-1. This allosteric transition can compete with force-induced dissociation of vinculin from talin only at forces up to 10 pN. Mimicking the allosteric activation by mutation yields a vinculin molecule that bundles actin and localizes to focal adhesions in a force-independent manner. Hence, the allosteric switch confines talin-vinculin interactions and focal adhesion build-up to intermediate force levels. The 'allosteric vinculin mutant' is a valuable molecular tool to further dissect the mechanical and biochemical signalling circuits at focal adhesions and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Franz
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Mathematikon, INF 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, UK.
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, London, UK.
| | - Sabina Winograd-Katz
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Wenhong Li
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Unger
- The Dana and Yossie Hollander Center for Structural Proteomics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shira Albeck
- The Dana and Yossie Hollander Center for Structural Proteomics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Camilo Aponte-Santamaria
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Mathematikon, INF 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, UK
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Benjamin Geiger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Mathematikon, INF 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- IMSEAM, Heidelberg University, INF 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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Tao A, LaCroix AS, Shoyer TC, Venkatraman V, Xu KL, Feiger B, Hoffman BD. Identifying constitutive and context-specific molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment within focal adhesions. Dev Cell 2023; 58:522-534.e7. [PMID: 36924770 PMCID: PMC10080727 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensitive processes often rely on adhesion structures to strengthen, or mature, in response to applied loads. However, a limited understanding of how the molecular tensions that are experienced by a particular protein affect the recruitment of other proteins represents a major obstacle in the way of deciphering molecular mechanisms that underlie mechanosensitive processes. Here, we describe an imaging-based technique, termed fluorescence-tension co-localization (FTC), for studying molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment inside cells. Guided by discrete time Markov chain simulations of protein recruitment, we integrate immunofluorescence labeling, molecular tension sensors, and machine learning to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and context dependence of molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment. The application of FTC to the mechanical linker protein vinculin in mouse embryonic fibroblasts reveals constitutive and context-specific molecular-tension-sensitive protein recruitment that varies with adhesion maturation. FTC overcomes limitations associated with the alteration of numerous proteins during the manipulation of cell contractility, providing molecularly specific insights into tension-sensitive protein recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Tao
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Karen L Xu
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bradley Feiger
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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8
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Shoyer TC, Gates EM, Cabe JI, Conway DE, Hoffman BD. Coupling During Collective Cell Migration is Controlled by a Vinculin Mechanochemical Switch. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.13.523997. [PMID: 36711698 PMCID: PMC9882183 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.13.523997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Collective cell migration (CCM) plays important roles in development, physiological, and pathological processes. A key feature of CCM is the dynamic mechanical coupling between cells, which enables both long-range coordination and local rearrangements. This coupling requires the ability of cell adhesions to adapt to forces. Recent efforts have identified key proteins and implicated cellular-scale mechanical properties, but how key proteins give rise to these larger-scale mechanical processes is unclear. Using force-sensitive biosensors, cell migration assays, and molecular clutch models, we sought a molecular understanding of adhesion strengthening that could bridge this gap. We found that the mechanical linker protein vinculin bears substantial loads at AJs, FAs, and in the cytoplasm during epithelial sheet migration, and we identified a switch-like residue on vinculin that regulates its conformation and loading at the AJs during CCM. In vinculin KO-rescue, this switch jointly controlled the speed and coupling length-scale of CCM, which suggested changes in adhesion-based friction. To test this, we developed molecularly detailed friction clutch models of the FA and AJ. They show that open, loaded vinculin increases friction in adhesive structures, with larger affects observed in AJs. Thus, this work elucidates how load-bearing linker proteins can be regulated to alter mechanical properties of cells and enable rapid tuning of mechanical coupling in CCM.
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9
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Chirasani VR, Khan MAI, Malavade JN, Dokholyan NV, Hoffman BD, Campbell SL. Elucidation of the Molecular Basis and Cellular Functions of Vinculin-Actin Directional Catch Bonding. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2334490. [PMID: 36711743 PMCID: PMC9882595 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2334490/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells and tissues to differentially resist or adapt to mechanical forces applied in distinct directions is mediated by the ability of load-bearing proteins to preferentially maintain physical linkages in certain directions. However, the molecular basis and biological consequences of directional force-sensitive binding are unclear. Vinculin (Vcn) is a load-bearing linker protein that exhibits directional catch bonding due to interactions between the Vcn tail domain (Vt) and filamentous (F)-actin. We developed a computational approach to predict Vcn residues involved in directional catch bonding and produced a set of associated Vcn variants with unaltered Vt structure, actin binding, or phospholipid interactions. Incorporation of these variants into Vcn biosensors did not perturb Vcn conformation, but reduced Vcn loading consistent with loss of directional catch bonding. Expression of Vcn variants perturbed the coalignment of FAs and F-actin and directed cell migration, establishing key cellular functions for Vcn directional catch bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R. Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mohammad Ashhar I. Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Brenton D. Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharon L. Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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10
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Canales Coutiño B, Mayor R. Neural crest mechanosensors: Seeing old proteins in a new light. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1792-1801. [PMID: 35901790 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces exerted on neural crest cells control their collective migration and differentiation. This perspective discusses our current understanding of neural crest mechanotransduction during cell migration and differentiation. Additionally, we describe proteins that have mechanosensitive functions in other systems, such as mechanosensitive G-protein-coupled receptors, mechanosensitive ion channels, cell-cell adhesion, and cell-matrix-interacting proteins, and highlight that these same proteins have in the past been studied in neural crest development from a purely signaling point of view. We propose that future studies elucidate the mechanosensitive functions these receptors may play in neural crest development and integrate this with their known molecular role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Canales Coutiño
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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11
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Vinje JB, Guadagno NA, Progida C, Sikorski P. Analysis of Actin and Focal Adhesion Organisation in U2OS Cells on Polymer Nanostructures. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2021; 16:143. [PMID: 34524556 PMCID: PMC8443752 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-021-03598-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this work, we explore how U2OS cells are affected by arrays of polymer nanopillars fabricated on flat glass surfaces. We focus on describing changes to the organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and in the location, number and shape of focal adhesions. From our findings we identify that the cells can be categorised into different regimes based on their spreading and adhesion behaviour on nanopillars. A quantitative analysis suggests that cells seeded on dense nanopillar arrays are suspended on top of the pillars with focal adhesions forming closer to the cell periphery compared to flat surfaces or sparse pillar arrays. This change is analogous to similar responses for cells seeded on soft substrates. RESULTS In this work, we explore how U2OS cells are affected by arrays of polymer nanopillars fabricated on flat glass surfaces. We focus on describing changes to the organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and in the location, number and shape of focal adhesions. From our findings we identify that the cells can be categorised into different regimes based on their spreading and adhesion behaviour on nanopillars. A quantitative analysis suggests that cells seeded on dense nanopillar arrays are suspended on top of the pillars with focal adhesions forming closer to the cell periphery compared to flat surfaces or sparse pillar arrays. This change is analogous to similar responses for cells seeded on soft substrates. CONCLUSION Overall, we show that the combination of high throughput nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy, molecular biology tools to visualise cellular processes and data analysis can be used to investigate how cells interact with nanostructured surfaces and will in the future help to create culture substrates that induce particular cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob B Vinje
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
- Department of Electronic Systems, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | - Cinzia Progida
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo, Norway
| | - Pawel Sikorski
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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12
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Mandal P, Belapurkar V, Nair D, Ramanan N. Vinculin-mediated axon growth requires interaction with actin but not talin in mouse neocortical neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5807-5826. [PMID: 34148098 PMCID: PMC11071915 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The actin-binding protein vinculin is a major constituent of focal adhesion, but its role in neuronal development is poorly understood. We found that vinculin deletion in mouse neocortical neurons attenuated axon growth both in vitro and in vivo. Using functional mutants, we found that expression of a constitutively active vinculin significantly enhanced axon growth while the head-neck domain had an inhibitory effect. Interestingly, we found that vinculin-talin interaction was dispensable for axon growth and neuronal migration. Strikingly, expression of the tail domain delayed migration, increased branching, and stunted axon. Inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex or abolishing the tail domain interaction with actin completely reversed the branching phenotype caused by tail domain expression without affecting axon length. Super-resolution microscopy showed increased mobility of actin in tail domain expressing neurons. Our results provide novel insights into the role of vinculin and its functional domains in regulating neuronal migration and axon growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranay Mandal
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Belapurkar
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Deepak Nair
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Narendrakumar Ramanan
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India.
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13
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Schumacher S, Vazquez Nunez R, Biertümpfel C, Mizuno N. Bottom-up reconstitution of focal adhesion complexes. FEBS J 2021; 289:3360-3373. [PMID: 33999507 PMCID: PMC9290908 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FA) are large macromolecular assemblies relevant for various cellular and pathological events such as migration, polarization, and metastatic cancer formation. At FA sites at the migrating periphery of a cell, hundreds of players gather and form a network to respond to extra cellular stimuli transmitted by the integrin receptor, the most upstream component within a cell, initiating the FA signaling pathway. Numerous cellular experiments have been performed to understand the FA architecture and functions; however, their intricate network formation hampers unraveling the precise molecular actions of individual players. Here, in vitro bottom‐up reconstitution presents an advantageous approach for elucidating the FA machinery and the hierarchical crosstalk of involved cellular players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Schumacher
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Roberto Vazquez Nunez
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christian Biertümpfel
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Naoko Mizuno
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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14
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Kusuluri DK, Güler BE, Knapp B, Horn N, Boldt K, Ueffing M, Aust G, Wolfrum U. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor VLGR1/ADGRV1 regulates cell spreading and migration by mechanosensing at focal adhesions. iScience 2021; 24:102283. [PMID: 33851099 PMCID: PMC8024656 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
VLGR1 (very large G protein-coupled receptor-1) is by far the largest adhesion G protein-coupled receptor in humans. Homozygous pathologic variants of VLGR1 cause hereditary deaf blindness in Usher syndrome 2C and haploinsufficiency of VLGR1 is associated with epilepsy. However, its molecular function remains elusive. Herein, we used affinity proteomics to identify many components of focal adhesions (FAs) in the VLGR1 interactome. VLGR1 is localized in FAs and assembles in FA protein complexes in situ. Depletion or loss of VLGR1 decreases the number and length of FAs in hTERT-RPE1 cells and in astrocytes of Vlgr1 mutant mice. VLGR1 depletion reduces cell spread and migration kinetics as well as the response to mechanical stretch characterizing VLGR1 as a metabotropic mechanosensor in FAs. Our data reveal a critical role of VLGR1 in the FA function and enlighten potential pathomechanisms in diseases related to VLGR1. VLGR1 is an integral part of focal adhesions and crucial for their assembly Absence of VLGR1 from focal adhesions alters cell spreading and cell migration VLGR1 is a metabotropic mechanosensor in focal adhesions
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Affiliation(s)
- Deva K Kusuluri
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Baran E Güler
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Knapp
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nicola Horn
- Medical Proteome Center, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karsten Boldt
- Medical Proteome Center, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Medical Proteome Center, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Aust
- Clinic of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery & Clinic of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery Research Laboratory, Leipzig University, 04301 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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15
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Jung M, Kim D, Mun JY. Direct Visualization of Actin Filaments and Actin-Binding Proteins in Neuronal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:588556. [PMID: 33324645 PMCID: PMC7726226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.588556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin networks and actin-binding proteins (ABPs) are most abundant in the cytoskeleton of neurons. The function of ABPs in neurons is nucleation of actin polymerization, polymerization or depolymerization regulation, bundling of actin through crosslinking or stabilization, cargo movement along actin filaments, and anchoring of actin to other cellular components. In axons, ABP–actin interaction forms a dynamic, deep actin network, which regulates axon extension, guidance, axon branches, and synaptic structures. In dendrites, actin and ABPs are related to filopodia attenuation, spine formation, and synapse plasticity. ABP phosphorylation or mutation changes ABP–actin binding, which regulates axon or dendritic plasticity. In addition, hyperactive ABPs might also be expressed as aggregates of abnormal proteins in neurodegeneration. Those changes cause many neurological disorders. Here, we will review direct visualization of ABP and actin using various electron microscopy (EM) techniques, super resolution microscopy (SRM), and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) with discussion of important ABPs in neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyo Jung
- Neural Circuit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Doory Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Young Mun
- Neural Circuit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
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16
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Kanoldt V, Kluger C, Barz C, Schweizer AL, Ramanujam D, Windgasse L, Engelhardt S, Chrostek-Grashoff A, Grashoff C. Metavinculin modulates force transduction in cell adhesion sites. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6403. [PMID: 33335089 PMCID: PMC7747745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vinculin is a ubiquitously expressed protein, crucial for the regulation of force transduction in cells. Muscle cells express a vinculin splice-isoform called metavinculin, which has been associated with cardiomyopathies. However, the molecular function of metavinculin has remained unclear and its role for heart muscle disorders undefined. Here, we have employed a set of piconewton-sensitive tension sensors to probe metavinculin mechanics in cells. Our experiments reveal that metavinculin bears higher molecular forces but is less frequently engaged as compared to vinculin, leading to altered force propagation in cell adhesions. In addition, we have generated knockout mice to investigate the consequences of metavinculin loss in vivo. Unexpectedly, these animals display an unaltered tissue response in a cardiac hypertrophy model. Together, the data reveal that the transduction of cell adhesion forces is modulated by expression of metavinculin, yet its role for heart muscle function seems more subtle than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Kanoldt
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Group of Molecular Mechanotransduction, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carleen Kluger
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Group of Molecular Mechanotransduction, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christiane Barz
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Group of Molecular Mechanotransduction, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schweizer
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Group of Molecular Mechanotransduction, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Deepak Ramanujam
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas Windgasse
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Chrostek-Grashoff
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Group of Molecular Mechanotransduction, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carsten Grashoff
- Department of Quantitative Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Group of Molecular Mechanotransduction, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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17
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Strauss RE, Gourdie RG. Cx43 and the Actin Cytoskeleton: Novel Roles and Implications for Cell-Cell Junction-Based Barrier Function Regulation. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1656. [PMID: 33321985 PMCID: PMC7764618 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrier function is a vital homeostatic mechanism employed by epithelial and endothelial tissue. Diseases across a wide range of tissue types involve dynamic changes in transcellular junctional complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of substance exchange across tissue compartments. In this review, we focus on the contribution of the gap junction protein, Cx43, to the biophysical and biochemical regulation of barrier function. First, we introduce the structure and canonical channel-dependent functions of Cx43. Second, we define barrier function and examine the key molecular structures fundamental to its regulation. Third, we survey the literature on the channel-dependent roles of connexins in barrier function, with an emphasis on the role of Cx43 and the actin cytoskeleton. Lastly, we discuss findings on the channel-independent roles of Cx43 in its associations with the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion structures highlighted by PI3K signaling, in the potential modulation of cellular barriers. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins, the cytoskeleton, focal adhesion complexes, and junctional structures has led to a growing appreciation of how barrier-modulating mechanisms may work together to effect solute and cellular flux across tissue boundaries. This new understanding could translate into improved therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of barrier-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E. Strauss
- Virginia Tech, Translational Biology Medicine and Health (TBMH) Program, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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18
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Mei L, Espinosa de Los Reyes S, Reynolds MJ, Leicher R, Liu S, Alushin GM. Molecular mechanism for direct actin force-sensing by α-catenin. eLife 2020; 9:62514. [PMID: 32969337 PMCID: PMC7588232 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton mediates mechanical coupling between cells and their tissue microenvironments. The architecture and composition of actin networks are modulated by force; however, it is unclear how interactions between actin filaments (F-actin) and associated proteins are mechanically regulated. Here we employ both optical trapping and biochemical reconstitution with myosin motor proteins to show single piconewton forces applied solely to F-actin enhance binding by the human version of the essential cell-cell adhesion protein αE-catenin but not its homolog vinculin. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of both proteins bound to F-actin reveal unique rearrangements that facilitate their flexible C-termini refolding to engage distinct interfaces. Truncating α-catenin’s C-terminus eliminates force-activated F-actin binding, and addition of this motif to vinculin confers force-activated binding, demonstrating that α-catenin’s C-terminus is a modular detector of F-actin tension. Our studies establish that piconewton force on F-actin can enhance partner binding, which we propose mechanically regulates cellular adhesion through α-catenin. All of the cells in our bodies rely on cues from their surrounding environment to alter their behavior. As well sending each other chemical signals, such as hormones, cells can also detect pressure and physical forces applied by the cells around them. These physical interactions are coordinated by a network of proteins called the cytoskeleton, which provide the internal scaffold that maintains a cell’s shape. However, it is not well understood how forces transmitted through the cytoskeleton are converted into mechanical signals that control cell behavior. The cytoskeleton is primarily made up protein filaments called actin, which are frequently under tension from external and internal forces that push and pull on the cell. Many proteins bind directly to actin, including adhesion proteins that allow the cell to ‘stick’ to its surroundings. One possibility is that when actin filaments feel tension, they convert this into a mechanical signal by altering how they bind to other proteins. To test this theory, Mei et al. isolated and studied an adhesion protein called α-catenin which is known to interact with actin. This revealed that when tiny forces – similar to the amount cells experience in the body – were applied to actin filaments, this caused α-catenin and actin to bind together more strongly. However, applying the same level of physical force did not alter how well actin bound to a similar adhesion protein called vinculin. Further experiments showed that this was due to differences in a small, flexible region found on both proteins. Manipulating this region revealed that it helps α-catenin attach to actin when a force is present, and was thus named a ‘force detector’. Proteins that bind to actin are essential in all animals, making it likely that force detectors are a common mechanism. Scientists can now use this discovery to identify and manipulate force detectors in other proteins across different cells and animals. This may help to develop drugs that target the mechanical signaling process, although this will require further understanding of how force detectors work at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Mei
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States.,Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | | | - Matthew J Reynolds
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Rachel Leicher
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States.,Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Shixin Liu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Gregory M Alushin
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
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19
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Kelley CF, Litschel T, Schumacher S, Dedden D, Schwille P, Mizuno N. Phosphoinositides regulate force-independent interactions between talin, vinculin, and actin. eLife 2020; 9:e56110. [PMID: 32657269 PMCID: PMC7384861 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FA) are large macromolecular assemblies which help transmit mechanical forces and regulatory signals between the extracellular matrix and an interacting cell. Two key proteins talin and vinculin connecting integrin to actomyosin networks in the cell. Both proteins bind to F-actin and each other, providing a foundation for network formation within FAs. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating their engagement remain unclear. Here, we report on the results of in vitro reconstitution of talin-vinculin-actin assemblies using synthetic membrane systems. We find that neither talin nor vinculin alone recruit actin filaments to the membrane. In contrast, phosphoinositide-rich membranes recruit and activate talin, and the membrane-bound talin then activates vinculin. Together, the two proteins then link actin to the membrane. Encapsulation of these components within vesicles reorganized actin into higher-order networks. Notably, these observations were made in the absence of applied force, whereby we infer that the initial assembly stage of FAs is force independent. Our findings demonstrate that the local membrane composition plays a key role in controlling the stepwise recruitment, activation, and engagement of proteins within FAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte F Kelley
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Structural Cell BiologyMartinsriedGermany
| | - Thomas Litschel
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular BiophysicsMartinsriedGermany
| | - Stephanie Schumacher
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Structural Cell BiologyMartinsriedGermany
| | - Dirk Dedden
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Structural Cell BiologyMartinsriedGermany
| | - Petra Schwille
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular BiophysicsMartinsriedGermany
| | - Naoko Mizuno
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Structural Cell BiologyMartinsriedGermany
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
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20
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Lee HT, Sharek L, O’Brien ET, Urbina FL, Gupton SL, Superfine R, Burridge K, Campbell SL. Vinculin and metavinculin exhibit distinct effects on focal adhesion properties, cell migration, and mechanotransduction. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221962. [PMID: 31483833 PMCID: PMC6726196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vinculin (Vcn) is a ubiquitously expressed cytoskeletal protein that links transmembrane receptors to actin filaments, and plays a key role in regulating cell adhesion, motility, and force transmission. Metavinculin (MVcn) is a Vcn splice isoform that contains an additional exon encoding a 68-residue insert within the actin binding tail domain. MVcn is selectively expressed at sub-stoichiometic amounts relative to Vcn in smooth and cardiac muscle cells. Mutations in the MVcn insert are linked to various cardiomyopathies. In vitro analysis has previously shown that while both proteins can engage filamentous (F)-actin, only Vcn can promote F-actin bundling. Moreover, we and others have shown that MVcn can negatively regulate Vcn-mediated F-actin bundling in vitro. To investigate functional differences between MVcn and Vcn, we stably expressed either Vcn or MVcn in Vcn-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts. While both MVcn and Vcn were observed at FAs, MVcn-expressing cells had larger but fewer focal adhesions per cell compared to Vcn-expressing cells. MVcn-expressing cells migrated faster and exhibited greater persistence compared to Vcn-expressing cells, even though Vcn-containing FAs assembled and disassembled faster. Magnetic tweezer measurements on Vcn-expressing cells show a typical cell stiffening phenotype in response to externally applied force; however, this was absent in Vcn-null and MVcn-expressing cells. Our findings that MVcn expression leads to larger but fewer FAs per cell, in conjunction with the inability of MVcn to bundle F-actin in vitro and rescue the cell stiffening response, are consistent with our previous findings of actin bundling deficient Vcn variants, suggesting that deficient actin-bundling may account for some of the differences between Vcn and MVcn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunna T. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Sharek
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - E. Timothy O’Brien
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fabio L. Urbina
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stephanie L. Gupton
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Richard Superfine
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Keith Burridge
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sharon L. Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Rothenberg KE, Scott DW, Christoforou N, Hoffman BD. Vinculin Force-Sensitive Dynamics at Focal Adhesions Enable Effective Directed Cell Migration. Biophys J 2019; 114:1680-1694. [PMID: 29642037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is a complex process, requiring coordination of many subcellular processes including membrane protrusion, adhesion, and contractility. For efficient cell migration, cells must concurrently control both transmission of large forces through adhesion structures and translocation of the cell body via adhesion turnover. Although mechanical regulation of protein dynamics has been proposed to play a major role in force transmission during cell migration, the key proteins and their exact roles are not completely understood. Vinculin is an adhesion protein that mediates force-sensitive processes, such as adhesion assembly under cytoskeletal load. Here, we elucidate the mechanical regulation of vinculin dynamics. Specifically, we paired measurements of vinculin loads using a Förster resonance energy transfer-based tension sensor and vinculin dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to measure force-sensitive protein dynamics in living cells. We find that vinculin adopts a variety of mechanical states at adhesions, and the relationship between vinculin load and vinculin dynamics can be altered by the inhibition of vinculin binding to talin or actin or reduction of cytoskeletal contractility. Furthermore, the force-stabilized state of vinculin required for the stabilization of membrane protrusions is unnecessary for random migration, but is required for directional migration along a substrate-bound cue. These data show that the force-sensitive dynamics of vinculin impact force transmission and enable the mechanical integration of subcellular processes. These results suggest that the regulation of force-sensitive protein dynamics may have an underappreciated role in many cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David W Scott
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC Chapel, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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22
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Gates EM, LaCroix AS, Rothenberg KE, Hoffman BD. Improving Quality, Reproducibility, and Usability of FRET-Based Tension Sensors. Cytometry A 2018; 95:201-213. [PMID: 30523675 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mechanobiology, the study of how mechanical forces affect cellular behavior, is an emerging field of study that has garnered broad and significant interest. Researchers are currently seeking to better understand how mechanical signals are transmitted, detected, and integrated at a subcellular level. One tool for addressing these questions is a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensor, which enables the measurement of molecular-scale forces across proteins based on changes in emitted light. However, the reliability and reproducibility of measurements made with these sensors has not been thoroughly examined. To address these concerns, we developed numerical methods that improve the accuracy of measurements made using sensitized emission-based imaging. To establish that FRET-based tension sensors are versatile tools that provide consistent measurements, we used these methods, and demonstrated that a vinculin tension sensor is unperturbed by cell fixation, permeabilization, and immunolabeling. This suggests FRET-based tension sensors could be coupled with a variety of immuno-fluorescent labeling techniques. Additionally, as tension sensors are frequently employed in complex biological samples where large experimental repeats may be challenging, we examined how sample size affects the uncertainty of FRET measurements. In total, this work establishes guidelines to improve FRET-based tension sensor measurements, validate novel implementations of these sensors, and ensure that results are precise and reproducible. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Gates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708
| | - Andrew S LaCroix
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708
| | - Katheryn E Rothenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708
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23
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Ishiyama N, Sarpal R, Wood MN, Barrick SK, Nishikawa T, Hayashi H, Kobb AB, Flozak AS, Yemelyanov A, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Yonemura S, Leckband DE, Gottardi CJ, Tepass U, Ikura M. Force-dependent allostery of the α-catenin actin-binding domain controls adherens junction dynamics and functions. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5121. [PMID: 30504777 PMCID: PMC6269467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07481-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
α-catenin is a key mechanosensor that forms force-dependent interactions with F-actin, thereby coupling the cadherin-catenin complex to the actin cytoskeleton at adherens junctions (AJs). However, the molecular mechanisms by which α-catenin engages F-actin under tension remained elusive. Here we show that the α1-helix of the α-catenin actin-binding domain (αcat-ABD) is a mechanosensing motif that regulates tension-dependent F-actin binding and bundling. αcat-ABD containing an α1-helix-unfolding mutation (H1) shows enhanced binding to F-actin in vitro. Although full-length α-catenin-H1 can generate epithelial monolayers that resist mechanical disruption, it fails to support normal AJ regulation in vivo. Structural and simulation analyses suggest that α1-helix allosterically controls the actin-binding residue V796 dynamics. Crystal structures of αcat-ABD-H1 homodimer suggest that α-catenin can facilitate actin bundling while it remains bound to E-cadherin. We propose that force-dependent allosteric regulation of αcat-ABD promotes dynamic interactions with F-actin involved in actin bundling, cadherin clustering, and AJ remodeling during tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Ishiyama
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Ritu Sarpal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Megan N Wood
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Tadateru Nishikawa
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Hanako Hayashi
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Anna B Kobb
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Annette S Flozak
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Alex Yemelyanov
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Shigenobu Yonemura
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Deborah E Leckband
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Cara J Gottardi
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ulrich Tepass
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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24
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Han MKL, van der Krogt GNM, de Rooij J. Zygotic vinculin is not essential for embryonic development in zebrafish. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182278. [PMID: 28767718 PMCID: PMC5540497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of multicellular tissues during development is governed by mechanical forces that drive cell shape and tissue architecture. Protein complexes at sites of adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell neighbors, not only transmit these mechanical forces, but also allow cells to respond to changes in force by inducing biochemical feedback pathways. Such force-induced signaling processes are termed mechanotransduction. Vinculin is a central protein in mechanotransduction that in both integrin-mediated cell-ECM and cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesions mediates force-induced cytoskeletal remodeling and adhesion strengthening. Vinculin was found to be important for the integrity and remodeling of epithelial tissues in cell culture models and could therefore be expected to be of broad importance in epithelial morphogenesis in vivo. Besides a function in mouse heart development, however, the importance of vinculin in morphogenesis of other vertebrate tissues has remained unclear. To investigate this further, we knocked out vinculin functioning in zebrafish, which contain two fully functional isoforms designated as vinculin A and vinculin B that both show high sequence conservation with higher vertebrates. Using TALEN and CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology we generated vinculin-deficient zebrafish. While single vinculin A mutants are viable and able to reproduce, additional loss of zygotic vinculin B was lethal after embryonic stages. Remarkably, vinculin-deficient embryos do not show major developmental defects, apart from mild pericardial edemas. These results lead to the conclusion that vinculin is not of broad importance for the development and morphogenesis of zebrafish tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell K. L. Han
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard N. M. van der Krogt
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan de Rooij
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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25
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De Pascalis C, Etienne-Manneville S. Single and collective cell migration: the mechanics of adhesions. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1833-1846. [PMID: 28684609 PMCID: PMC5541834 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-03-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical and physical properties of the environment control cell proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis in the long term. However, to be able to move and migrate through a complex three-dimensional environment, cells must quickly adapt in the short term to the physical properties of their surroundings. Interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur through focal adhesions or hemidesmosomes via the engagement of integrins with fibrillar ECM proteins. Cells also interact with their neighbors, and this involves various types of intercellular adhesive structures such as tight junctions, cadherin-based adherens junctions, and desmosomes. Mechanobiology studies have shown that cell-ECM and cell-cell adhesions participate in mechanosensing to transduce mechanical cues into biochemical signals and conversely are responsible for the transmission of intracellular forces to the extracellular environment. As they migrate, cells use these adhesive structures to probe their surroundings, adapt their mechanical properties, and exert the appropriate forces required for their movements. The focus of this review is to give an overview of recent developments showing the bidirectional relationship between the physical properties of the environment and the cell mechanical responses during single and collective cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara De Pascalis
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur Paris, CNRS UMR3691, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
- UPMC Université Paris 06, IFD, Sorbonne Universités, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Sandrine Etienne-Manneville
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur Paris, CNRS UMR3691, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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26
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Atherton P, Lausecker F, Harrison A, Ballestrem C. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes cell motility through vinculin-controlled Rac1 GTPase activity. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:2277-2291. [PMID: 28576970 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.192781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a therapy used clinically to promote healing. Using live-cell imaging we show that LIPUS stimulation, acting through integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions, rapidly induces Rac1 activation associated with dramatic actin cytoskeleton rearrangements. Our study demonstrates that the mechanosensitive focal adhesion (FA) protein vinculin, and both focal adhesion kinase (FAK, also known as PTK2) and Rab5 (both the Rab5a and Rab5b isoforms) have key roles in regulating these effects. Inhibiting the link of vinculin to the actin-cytoskeleton abolished LIPUS sensing. We show that this vinculin-mediated link was not only critical for Rac1 induction and actin rearrangements, but was also important for the induction of a Rab5-dependent increase in the number of early endosomes. Expression of dominant-negative Rab5, or inhibition of endocytosis with dynasore, also blocked LIPUS-induced Rac1 signalling events. Taken together, our data show that LIPUS is sensed by cell matrix adhesions through vinculin, which in turn modulates a Rab5-Rac1 pathway to control ultrasound-mediated endocytosis and cell motility. Finally, we demonstrate that a similar FAK-Rab5-Rac1 pathway acts to control cell spreading upon fibronectin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Atherton
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, USA
| | - Franziska Lausecker
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, USA
| | - Andrew Harrison
- Bioventus Cooperatief, Taurusavenue 31, 2132 LS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Ballestrem
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, USA
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27
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Bays JL, DeMali KA. Vinculin in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2999-3009. [PMID: 28401269 PMCID: PMC5501900 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2511-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vinculin was identified as a component of focal adhesions and adherens junctions nearly 40 years ago. Since that time, remarkable progress has been made in understanding its activation, regulation and function. Here we discuss the current understanding of the roles of vinculin in cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions. Emphasis is placed on the how vinculin is recruited, activated and regulated. We also highlight the recent understanding of how vinculin responds to and transmits force at integrin- and cadherin-containing adhesion complexes to the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, we discuss roles of vinculin in binding to and rearranging the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Bays
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kris A DeMali
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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28
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Omachi T, Ichikawa T, Kimura Y, Ueda K, Kioka N. Vinculin association with actin cytoskeleton is necessary for stiffness-dependent regulation of vinculin behavior. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175324. [PMID: 28388663 PMCID: PMC5384775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major regulator of cell behavior. Recent studies have indicated the importance of the physical properties of the ECM, including its stiffness, for cell migration and differentiation. Using actomyosin-generated forces, cells pull the ECM and sense stiffness via cell-ECM adhesion structures called focal adhesions (FAs). Vinculin, an actin-binding FA protein, has emerged as a major player in FA-mediated mechanotransduction. Although vinculin is important for sensing ECM stiffness, the role of vinculin binding to actin in the ECM stiffness-mediated regulation of vinculin behavior remains unknown. Here, we show that an actin binding-deficient mutation disrupts the ECM stiffness-dependent regulation of CSB (cytoskeleton stabilization buffer) resistance and the stable localization of vinculin. These results suggest that the vinculin-actin interaction participates in FA-mediated mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Omachi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ichikawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Kimura
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Ueda
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kioka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
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29
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Kuroda M, Wada H, Kimura Y, Ueda K, Kioka N. Vinculin promotes nuclear localization of TAZ to inhibit ECM stiffness-dependent differentiation into adipocytes. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:989-1002. [PMID: 28115535 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.194779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness regulates the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although cells sense ECM stiffness through focal adhesions, how cells sense ECM stiffness and regulate ECM stiffness-dependent differentiation remains largely unclear. In this study, we show that the cytoskeletal focal adhesion protein vinculin plays a critical role in the ECM stiffness-dependent adipocyte differentiation of MSCs. ST2 mouse MSCs differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts in an ECM stiffness-dependent manner. We find that a rigid ECM increases the amount of cytoskeleton-associated vinculin and promotes the nuclear localization and activity of the transcriptional coactivator paralogs Yes-associated protein (YAP, also known as YAP1) and transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ, also known as WWTR1) (hereafter YAP/TAZ). Vinculin is necessary for enhanced nuclear localization and activity of YAP/TAZ on the rigid ECM but it does not affect the phosphorylation of the YAP/TAZ kinase LATS1. Furthermore, vinculin depletion promotes differentiation into adipocytes on rigid ECM, while it inhibits differentiation into osteoblasts. Finally, TAZ knockdown was less effective at promoting adipocyte differentiation in vinculin-depleted cells than in control cells. These results suggest that vinculin promotes the nuclear localization of transcription factor TAZ to inhibit the adipocyte differentiation on rigid ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kuroda
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroki Wada
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Kimura
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Ueda
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kioka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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30
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Thompson PM, Ramachandran S, Case LB, Tolbert CE, Tandon A, Pershad M, Dokholyan NV, Waterman CM, Campbell SL. A Structural Model for Vinculin Insertion into PIP 2-Containing Membranes and the Effect of Insertion on Vinculin Activation and Localization. Structure 2017; 25:264-275. [PMID: 28089450 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vinculin, a scaffolding protein that localizes to focal adhesions (FAs) and adherens junctions, links the actin cytoskeleton to the adhesive super-structure. While vinculin binds to a number of cytoskeletal proteins, it can also associate with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to drive membrane association. To generate a structural model for PIP2-dependent interaction of vinculin with the lipid bilayer, we conducted lipid-association, nuclear magnetic resonance, and computational modeling experiments. We find that two basic patches on the vinculin tail drive membrane association: the basic collar specifically recognizes PIP2, while the basic ladder drives association with the lipid bilayer. Vinculin mutants with defects in PIP2-dependent liposome association were then expressed in vinculin knockout murine embryonic fibroblasts. Results from these analyses indicate that PIP2 binding is not required for localization of vinculin to FAs or FA strengthening, but is required for vinculin activation and turnover at FAs to promote its association with the force transduction FA nanodomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Srinivas Ramachandran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Caitlin E Tolbert
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Arpit Tandon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mihir Pershad
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Clare M Waterman
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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31
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Izard T, Brown DT. Mechanisms and Functions of Vinculin Interactions with Phospholipids at Cell Adhesion Sites. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:2548-55. [PMID: 26728462 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.686493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein vinculin is a major regulator of cell adhesion and attaches to the cell surface by binding to specific phospholipids. Structural, biochemical, and biological studies provided much insight into how vinculin binds to membranes, what components it recognizes, and how lipid binding is regulated. Here we discuss the roles and mechanisms of phospholipids in regulating the structure and function of vinculin and of its muscle-specific metavinculin splice variant. A full appreciation of these processes is necessary for understanding how vinculin regulates cell motility, migration, and wound healing, and for understanding of its role in cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Izard
- From the Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology and Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458 and
| | - David T Brown
- the Department of Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216
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32
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Goldmann WH. Role of vinculin in cellular mechanotransduction. Cell Biol Int 2016; 40:241-56. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang H. Goldmann
- Department of Biophysics; Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
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33
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Mechanosensitive components of integrin adhesions: Role of vinculin. Exp Cell Res 2015; 343:21-27. [PMID: 26607713 PMCID: PMC4856733 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
External forces play a key role in shaping development and normal physiology. Aberrant responses to forces, or changes in the nature of such forces, are implicated in a variety of diseases. Cells contain several types of adhesions, linking them to their external environment. It is through these adhesions that forces are both sensed (from the outside inwards) and applied (from inside to out). Furthermore, several adhesion-based proteins are sensitive to changes in intracellular forces, utilising them for activation and regulation. Here, we outline how vinculin, a key component of integrin-mediated adhesions linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM), is regulated by force and acts as force transducing protein. We discuss the role of vinculin in vivo and its place in health and disease; summarise the proposed mechanisms by which vinculin is recruited to and activated at integrin-ECM adhesions; and discuss recent findings that place vinculin as the major force sensing and transmitting component of cell–matrix adhesion complexes. Finally, we discuss the role of vinculin in regulating the cellular responses to both the physical properties of the external environment and to externally applied physical stimuli.
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34
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Kim LY, Thompson PM, Lee HT, Pershad M, Campbell SL, Alushin GM. The Structural Basis of Actin Organization by Vinculin and Metavinculin. J Mol Biol 2015; 428:10-25. [PMID: 26493222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vinculin is an essential adhesion protein that links membrane-bound integrin and cadherin receptors through their intracellular binding partners to filamentous actin, facilitating mechanotransduction. Here we present an 8.5-Å-resolution cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction and pseudo-atomic model of the vinculin tail (Vt) domain bound to F-actin. Upon actin engagement, the N-terminal "strap" and helix 1 are displaced from the Vt helical bundle to mediate actin bundling. We find that an analogous conformational change also occurs in the H1' helix of the tail domain of metavinculin (MVt) upon actin binding, a muscle-specific splice isoform that suppresses actin bundling by Vt. These data support a model in which metavinculin tunes the actin bundling activity of vinculin in a tissue-specific manner, providing a mechanistic framework for understanding metavinculin mutations associated with hereditary cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Y Kim
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Interactions, Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter M Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hyunna T Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mihir Pershad
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gregory M Alushin
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Interactions, Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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35
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Chen CS, Hong S, Indra I, Sergeeva AP, Troyanovsky RB, Shapiro L, Honig B, Troyanovsky SM. α-Catenin-mediated cadherin clustering couples cadherin and actin dynamics. J Cell Biol 2015; 210:647-61. [PMID: 26261181 PMCID: PMC4539995 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201412064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the actin-binding domain of α-catenin, αABD, including its possible role in the direct anchorage of the cadherin-catenin complex to the actin cytoskeleton, has remained uncertain. We identified two point mutations on the αABD surface that interfere with αABD binding to actin and used them to probe the role of α-catenin-actin interactions in adherens junctions. We found that the junctions directly bound to actin via αABD were more dynamic than the junctions bound to actin indirectly through vinculin and that recombinant αABD interacted with cortical actin but not with actin bundles. This interaction resulted in the formation of numerous short-lived cortex-bound αABD clusters. Our data suggest that αABD clustering drives the continuous assembly of transient, actin-associated cadherin-catenin clusters whose disassembly is maintained by actin depolymerization. It appears then that such actin-dependent αABD clustering is a unique molecular mechanism mediating both integrity and reassembly of the cell-cell adhesive interface formed through weak cis- and trans-intercadherin interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Shuo Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Soonjin Hong
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Indrajyoti Indra
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Alina P Sergeeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032 Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032 Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Regina B Troyanovsky
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032 Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Barry Honig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032 Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032 Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Sergey M Troyanovsky
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
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36
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Oztug Durer ZA, McGillivary RM, Kang H, Elam WA, Vizcarra CL, Hanein D, De La Cruz EM, Reisler E, Quinlan ME. Metavinculin Tunes the Flexibility and the Architecture of Vinculin-Induced Bundles of Actin Filaments. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:2782-98. [PMID: 26168869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vinculin is an abundant protein found at cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix junctions. In muscles, a longer splice isoform of vinculin, metavinculin, is also expressed. The metavinculin-specific insert is part of the C-terminal tail domain, the actin-binding site of both isoforms. Mutations in the metavinculin-specific insert are linked to heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathies. Vinculin tail domain (VT) both binds and bundles actin filaments. Metavinculin tail domain (MVT) binds actin filaments in a similar orientation but does not bundle filaments. Recently, MVT was reported to sever actin filaments. In this work, we asked how MVT influences F-actin alone or in combination with VT. Cosedimentation and limited proteolysis experiments indicated a similar actin binding affinity and mode for both VT and MVT. In real-time total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy experiments, MVT's severing activity was negligible. Instead, we found that MVT binding caused a 2-fold reduction in F-actin's bending persistence length and increased susceptibility to breakage. Using mutagenesis and site-directed labeling with fluorescence probes, we determined that MVT alters actin interprotomer contacts and dynamics, which presumably reflect the observed changes in bending persistence length. Finally, we found that MVT decreases the density and thickness of actin filament bundles generated by VT. Altogether, our data suggest that MVT alters actin filament flexibility and tunes filament organization in the presence of VT. Both of these activities are potentially important for muscle cell function. Perhaps MVT allows the load of muscle contraction to act as a signal to reorganize actin filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep A Oztug Durer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Rebecca M McGillivary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Hyeran Kang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114, USA
| | - W Austin Elam
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114, USA
| | - Christina L Vizcarra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Dorit Hanein
- Bioinformatics and Structural Biology Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114, USA
| | - Emil Reisler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1570, USA
| | - Margot E Quinlan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1570, USA.
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37
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Case LB, Baird MA, Shtengel G, Campbell SL, Hess HF, Davidson MW, Waterman CM. Molecular mechanism of vinculin activation and nanoscale spatial organization in focal adhesions. Nat Cell Biol 2015; 17:880-92. [PMID: 26053221 PMCID: PMC4490039 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) link the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the actin cytoskeleton to mediate cell adhesion, migration, mechanosensing and signaling. FAs have conserved nanoscale protein organization, suggesting that the position of proteins within FAs regulates their activity and function. Vinculin binds different FA proteins to mediate distinct cellular functions, but how vinculin’s interactions are spatiotemporally organized within FA is unknown. Using interferometric photo-activation localization (iPALM) super-resolution microscopy to assay vinculin nanoscale localization and a FRET biosensor to assay vinculin conformation, we found that upward repositioning within the FA during FA maturation facilitates vinculin activation and mechanical reinforcement of FA. Inactive vinculin localizes to the lower integrin signaling layer in FA by binding to phospho-paxillin. Talin binding activates vinculin and targets active vinculin higher in FA where vinculin can engage retrograde actin flow. Thus, specific protein interactions are spatially segregated within FA at the nano-scale to regulate vinculin activation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay B Case
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Michelle A Baird
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA
| | - Gleb Shtengel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, USA
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Harald F Hess
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, USA
| | - Michael W Davidson
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA
| | - Clare M Waterman
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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38
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Hanč P, Fujii T, Iborra S, Yamada Y, Huotari J, Schulz O, Ahrens S, Kjær S, Way M, Sancho D, Namba K, Reis e Sousa C. Structure of the Complex of F-Actin and DNGR-1, a C-Type Lectin Receptor Involved in Dendritic Cell Cross-Presentation of Dead Cell-Associated Antigens. Immunity 2015; 42:839-849. [PMID: 25979418 PMCID: PMC5066845 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNGR-1 is a C-type lectin receptor that binds F-actin exposed by dying cells and facilitates cross-presentation of dead cell-associated antigens by dendritic cells. Here we present the structure of DNGR-1 bound to F-actin at 7.7 Å resolution. Unusually for F-actin binding proteins, the DNGR-1 ligand binding domain contacts three actin subunits helically arranged in the actin filament, bridging over two protofilaments, as well as two neighboring actin subunits along one protofilament. Mutation of residues predicted to mediate ligand binding led to loss of DNGR-1-dependent cross-presentation of dead cell-associated antigens, formally demonstrating that the latter depends on F-actin recognition. Notably, DNGR-1 has relatively modest affinity for F-actin but multivalent interactions allow a marked increase in binding strength. Our findings shed light on modes of actin binding by cellular proteins and reveal how extracellular detection of cytoskeletal components by dedicated receptors allows immune monitoring of loss of cellular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Hanč
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Takashi Fujii
- Riken Quantitative Biology Center, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Salvador Iborra
- Immunobiology of Inflammation Laboratory, Department of Vascular Biology and Inflammation, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yurika Yamada
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jatta Huotari
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Oliver Schulz
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Susan Ahrens
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Svend Kjær
- Structural Biology Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - Michael Way
- Cell Motility Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
| | - David Sancho
- Immunobiology of Inflammation Laboratory, Department of Vascular Biology and Inflammation, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Riken Quantitative Biology Center, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Caetano Reis e Sousa
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK
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39
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Vinculin-dependent actin bundling regulates cell migration and traction forces. Biochem J 2015; 465:383-93. [PMID: 25358683 DOI: 10.1042/bj20140872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Vinculin binding to actin filaments is thought to be critical for force transduction within a cell, but direct experimental evidence to support this conclusion has been limited. In the present study, we found mutation (R1049E) of the vinculin tail impairs its ability to bind F-actin, stimulate actin polymerization, and bundle F-actin in vitro. Further, mutant (R1049E) vinculin expressing cells are altered in cell migration, which is accompanied by changes in cell adhesion, cell spreading and cell generation of traction forces, providing direct evidence for the critical role of vinculin in mechanotransduction at adhesion sites. Lastly, we discuss the viability of models detailing the F-actin-binding surface on vinculin in the context of our mutational analysis.
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40
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Chinthalapudi K, Rangarajan ES, Patil DN, George EM, Brown DT, Izard T. Lipid binding promotes oligomerization and focal adhesion activity of vinculin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 207:643-56. [PMID: 25488920 PMCID: PMC4259812 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201404128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PIP2 binds vinculin and directs its oligomerization, which promotes proper focal adhesion structure and function. Adherens junctions (AJs) and focal adhesion (FA) complexes are necessary for cell migration and morphogenesis, and for the development, growth, and survival of all metazoans. Vinculin is an essential regulator of both AJs and FAs, where it provides links to the actin cytoskeleton. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) affects the functions of many targets, including vinculin. Here we report the crystal structure of vinculin in complex with PIP2, which revealed that PIP2 binding alters vinculin structure to direct higher-order oligomerization and suggests that PIP2 and F-actin binding to vinculin are mutually permissive. Forced expression of PIP2-binding–deficient mutants of vinculin in vinculin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts revealed that PIP2 binding is necessary for maintaining optimal FAs, for organization of actin stress fibers, and for cell migration and spreading. Finally, photobleaching experiments indicated that PIP2 binding is required for the control of vinculin dynamics and turnover in FAs. Thus, through oligomerization, PIP2 directs a transient vinculin sequestration at FAs that is necessary for proper FA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Chinthalapudi
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Erumbi S Rangarajan
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Dipak N Patil
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Eric M George
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Physiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 Department of Biochemistry and Department of Physiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216
| | - David T Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Physiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216
| | - Tina Izard
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458
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41
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Cheung TM, Yan JB, Fu JJ, Huang J, Yuan F, Truskey GA. Endothelial Cell Senescence Increases Traction Forces due to Age-Associated Changes in the Glycocalyx and SIRT1. Cell Mol Bioeng 2014; 8:63-75. [PMID: 25914755 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-014-0371-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) aging and senescence are key events in atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease development. Age-associated changes in the local mechanical environment of blood vessels have also been linked to atherosclerosis. However, the extent to which cell senescence affects mechanical forces generated by the cell is unclear. In this study, we sought to determine whether EC senescence increases traction forces through age-associated changes in the glycocalyx and antioxidant regulator deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), which is downregulated during aging. Traction forces were higher in cells that had undergone more population doublings and changes in traction force were associated with altered actin localization. Older cells also had increased actin filament thickness. Depletion of heparan sulfate in young ECs elevated traction forces and actin filament thickness, while addition of heparan sulfate to the surface of aged ECs by treatment with angiopoietin-1 had the opposite effect. While inhibition of SIRT1 had no significant effect on traction forces or actin organization for young cells, activation of SIRT1 did reduce traction forces and increase peripheral actin in aged ECs. These results show that EC senescence increases traction forces and alters actin localization through changes to SIRT1 and the glycocalyx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M Cheung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham, NC 27708
| | - Jessica B Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham, NC 27708
| | - Justin J Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham, NC 27708
| | - Jianyong Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham, NC 27708
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham, NC 27708
| | - George A Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham, NC 27708
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42
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Waldon SM, Thompson PM, Hahn PJ, Taylor RM. SketchBio: a scientist's 3D interface for molecular modeling and animation. BMC Bioinformatics 2014; 15:334. [PMID: 25359079 PMCID: PMC4287593 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-15-334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Because of the difficulties involved in learning and using 3D modeling and rendering software, many scientists hire programmers or animators to create models and animations. This both slows the discovery process and provides opportunities for miscommunication. Working with multiple collaborators, a tool was developed (based on a set of design goals) to enable them to directly construct models and animations. Results SketchBio is presented, a tool that incorporates state-of-the-art bimanual interaction and drop shadows to enable rapid construction of molecular structures and animations. It includes three novel features: crystal-by-example, pose-mode physics, and spring-based layout that accelerate operations common in the formation of molecular models. Design decisions and their consequences are presented, including cases where iterative design was required to produce effective approaches. Conclusions The design decisions, novel features, and inclusion of state-of-the-art techniques enabled SketchBio to meet all of its design goals. These features and decisions can be incorporated into existing and new tools to improve their effectiveness. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2105-15-334) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Waldon
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599 Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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43
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Tolbert CE, Thompson PM, Superfine R, Burridge K, Campbell SL. Phosphorylation at Y1065 in vinculin mediates actin bundling, cell spreading, and mechanical responses to force. Biochemistry 2014; 53:5526-36. [PMID: 25115937 PMCID: PMC4151700 DOI: 10.1021/bi500678x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Vinculin
is an essential structural adaptor protein that localizes
to sites of adhesion and is involved in a number of cell processes
including adhesion, spreading, motility, force transduction, and cell
survival. The C-terminal vinculin tail domain (Vt) contains the necessary
structural components to bind and cross-link actin filaments. Actin
binding to Vt induces a conformational change that promotes dimerization
through the C-terminal hairpin of Vt and enables actin filament cross-linking.
Here we show that Src phosphorylation of Y1065 within the C-terminal
hairpin regulates Vt-mediated actin bundling and provide a detailed
characterization of Y1065 mutations. Furthermore, we show that phosphorylation
at Y1065 plays a role in cell spreading and the response to the application
of mechanical force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Tolbert
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, ‡Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, §Graduate Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Program, ∥Department of Physics and Astronomy, and ⊥the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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