1
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Martins CS, Iv F, Suman SK, Panagiotou TC, Sidor C, Ruso-López M, Plancke CN, Omi S, Pagès R, Gomes M, Llewellyn A, Bandi SR, Ramond L, Arbizzani F, Rimoli CV, Schnorrer F, Robin F, Wilde A, LeGoff L, Pedelacq JD, Jégou A, Cabantous S, Rincon SA, Chandre C, Brasselet S, Mavrakis M. Genetically encoded reporters of actin filament organization in living cells and tissues. Cell 2025; 188:2540-2559.e27. [PMID: 40179884 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.03.003] [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] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025]
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin is crucial for cell shape and integrity throughout eukaryotes. Actin filaments perform essential biological functions, including muscle contraction, cell division, and tissue morphogenesis. These diverse activities are achieved through the ability of actin filaments to be arranged into precise architectures. Much progress has been made in defining the proteome of the actin cytoskeleton, but a detailed appreciation of the dynamic organizational state of the actin filaments themselves has been hindered by available tools. Fluorescence polarization microscopy is uniquely placed for measuring actin filament organization by exploiting the sensitivity of polarized light excitation to the orientation of fluorophores attached to actin filaments. By engineering fusions of five widely used actin localization reporters to fluorescent proteins with constrained mobility, we have succeeded in developing genetically encoded, green- and red-fluorescent-protein-based reporters for non-invasive, quantitative measurements of actin filament organization in living cells and tissues by fluorescence polarization microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Silva Martins
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - François Iv
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Shashi Kumar Suman
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement/UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thomas C Panagiotou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1M1, Canada
| | - Clara Sidor
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - María Ruso-López
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica and Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Camille N Plancke
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement/UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Shizue Omi
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Rebecca Pagès
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Gomes
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Alexander Llewellyn
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Sourish Reddy Bandi
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Laurie Ramond
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | | | - Caio Vaz Rimoli
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Frank Schnorrer
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - François Robin
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement/UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Andrew Wilde
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1M1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1M1, Canada
| | - Loïc LeGoff
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Denis Pedelacq
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Jégou
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Cabantous
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier - Toulouse III, CNRS, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Sergio A Rincon
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica and Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | | | - Sophie Brasselet
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France.
| | - Manos Mavrakis
- Institut Fresnel, CNRS UMR7249, Aix Marseille Univ, Centrale Med, 13013 Marseille, France.
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2
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Ritter CM, Ma T, Leijnse N, Farhangi Barooji Y, Hamilton W, Brickman JM, Doostmohammadi A, Oddershede LB. Differential Elasticity Affects Lineage Segregation of Embryonic Stem Cells. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2025; 134:168401. [PMID: 40344104 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.134.168401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/11/2025]
Abstract
The question of what guides lineage segregation is central to development, where cellular differentiation leads to segregated cell populations destined for specialized functions. Here, using optical tweezers measurements of mouse embryonic stem cells, we reveal a mechanical mechanism based on differential elasticity in the second lineage segregation of the embryonic inner cell mass into epiblast (EPI) cells, which will develop into the fetus, and primitive endoderm (PrE), which will form extraembryonic structures such as the yolk sac. Remarkably, we find that these mechanical differences already occur during priming, not just after a cell has committed to differentiation. Specifically, we show that PrE-primed cells exhibit significantly higher elasticity than EPI-primed cells, characterized by lower power spectrum scaling exponents, higher Young's modulus, and lower loss tangent. Using a model of two cell types differing only in elasticity, we show that differential elasticity alone is sufficient to lead to segregation between cell types, suggesting that the mechanical attributes of the cells contribute to the segregation process. Importantly, we find that this process relies on cellular activity. Our findings present differential elasticity as a previously unknown mechanical contributor to lineage segregation during embryo morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Ritter
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tianxiang Ma
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Natascha Leijnse
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - William Hamilton
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, RNA Biology Lab, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- University of Copenhagen, The Novo Norksisk Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lene B Oddershede
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Htet PH, Lauga E. Analytical methods for cytoplasmic streaming in elongated cells. PNAS NEXUS 2025; 4:pgaf057. [PMID: 40104685 PMCID: PMC11914321 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic streaming, the coherent flow of cytoplasm, plays a critical role in transport and mixing over large scales in eukaryotic cells. In many large cells, this process is driven by active forces at the cell boundary, such as cortical cytoskeletal contractions in Drosophila and Caenorhabiditis elegans embryos, or intracellular cargo transport in plant cells. These cytoplasmic flows are approximately Newtonian and governed by the Stokes equations. In this article, we use lubrication theory-a powerful technique for simplifying the fluid mechanics equations in elongated geometries-to derive a general solution for boundary-driven cytoplasmic flows. We apply this framework to predict cytoplasmic fluid dynamics and cortical stresses in four systems of biological significance: the Drosophila and C. elegans embryos (including pseudocleavage furrow formation), the pollen tube of seed plants, and plant root hair cells. Our results showcase the elegance and accuracy of asymptotic solutions in capturing the complex flows and stress patterns in diverse biological contexts, reinforcing its utility as a robust tool for cellular biophysics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyae Hein Htet
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Lauga
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
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4
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Xue SL, Yang Q, Liberali P, Hannezo E. Mechanochemical bistability of intestinal organoids enables robust morphogenesis. NATURE PHYSICS 2025; 21:608-617. [PMID: 40248571 PMCID: PMC11999871 DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/19/2025]
Abstract
Reproducible pattern and form generation during embryogenesis is poorly understood. Intestinal organoid morphogenesis involves a number of mechanochemical regulators such as cell-type-specific cytoskeletal forces and osmotically driven lumen volume changes. It is unclear how these forces are coordinated in time and space to ensure robust morphogenesis. Here we show how mechanosensitive feedback on cytoskeletal tension gives rise to morphological bistability in a minimal model of organoid morphogenesis. In the model, lumen volume changes can impact the epithelial shape via both direct mechanical and indirect mechanosensitive mechanisms. We find that both bulged and budded crypt states are possible and dependent on the history of volume changes. We test key modelling assumptions via biophysical and pharmacological experiments to demonstrate how bistability can explain experimental observations, such as the importance of the timing of lumen shrinkage and robustness of the final morphogenetic state to mechanical perturbations. This suggests that bistability arising from feedback between cellular tensions and fluid pressure could be a general mechanism that coordinates multicellular shape changes in developing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Lei Xue
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Qiutan Yang
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Prisca Liberali
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
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5
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Taneja N, Moubarak MF, McGovern MJ, Yeoh K, Zallen JA. Actin crosslinking is required for force sensing at tricellular junctions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.02.21.639590. [PMID: 40060614 PMCID: PMC11888364 DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.21.639590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are essential for tissue morphogenesis, but risk causing ruptures that could compromise tissue function. In epithelial tissues, adherens junctions withstand the forces that drive morphogenesis by recruiting proteins that stabilize cell adhesion and reinforce connections to the actin cytoskeleton under tension. However, how junctional actin networks respond to forces in vivo is not well understood. Here we show that the actin crosslinker Fimbrin is recruited to tricellular junctions under tension and plays a central role in amplifying actomyosin contractility and stabilizing cell adhesion. Loss of Fimbrin results in a failure to reorganize actin under tension and an inability to enhance myosin-II activity and recruit junction-stabilizing proteins in response to force, disrupting cell adhesion. Conversely, increasing Fimbrin activity constitutively activates force-response pathways, aberrantly stabilizing adhesion. These results demonstrate that Fimbrin-mediated actin crosslinking is an essential step in modulating actomyosin dynamics and reinforcing cell adhesion under tension during epithelial remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Taneja
- HHMI and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute
| | | | | | - Kenji Yeoh
- HHMI and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute
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6
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Urbanska M, Ge Y, Winzi M, Abuhattum S, Ali SS, Herbig M, Kräter M, Toepfner N, Durgan J, Florey O, Dori M, Calegari F, Lolo FN, del Pozo MÁ, Taubenberger A, Cannistraci CV, Guck J. De novo identification of universal cell mechanics gene signatures. eLife 2025; 12:RP87930. [PMID: 39960760 PMCID: PMC11832173 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Cell mechanical properties determine many physiological functions, such as cell fate specification, migration, or circulation through vasculature. Identifying factors that govern the mechanical properties is therefore a subject of great interest. Here, we present a mechanomics approach for establishing links between single-cell mechanical phenotype changes and the genes involved in driving them. We combine mechanical characterization of cells across a variety of mouse and human systems with machine learning-based discriminative network analysis of associated transcriptomic profiles to infer a conserved network module of five genes with putative roles in cell mechanics regulation. We validate in silico that the identified gene markers are universal, trustworthy, and specific to the mechanical phenotype across the studied mouse and human systems, and demonstrate experimentally that a selected target, CAV1, changes the mechanical phenotype of cells accordingly when silenced or overexpressed. Our data-driven approach paves the way toward engineering cell mechanical properties on demand to explore their impact on physiological and pathological cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Urbanska
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
| | - Yan Ge
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Maria Winzi
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Shada Abuhattum
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
| | - Syed Shafat Ali
- Center for Complex Network Intelligence, Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence, Department of Computer Science and School of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Computer Science and Department of Economics, Jamia Millia IslamiaNew DelhiIndia
| | - Maik Herbig
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Martin Kräter
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
| | - Nicole Toepfner
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Joanne Durgan
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Oliver Florey
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Martina Dori
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Federico Calegari
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Fidel-Nicolás Lolo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Cell and Developmental Biology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)MadridSpain
| | - Miguel Ángel del Pozo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Cell and Developmental Biology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)MadridSpain
| | - Anna Taubenberger
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Carlo Vittorio Cannistraci
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Center for Complex Network Intelligence, Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence, Department of Computer Science and School of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Systems Biology DresdenDresdenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und MedizinErlangenGermany
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7
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Sánchez-Sánchez BJ, Marcotti S, Salvador-Garcia D, Díaz-de-la-Loza MDC, Burki M, Davidson AJ, Wood W, Stramer BM. Moesin integrates cortical and lamellar actin networks during Drosophila macrophage migration. Nat Commun 2025; 16:1414. [PMID: 39915456 PMCID: PMC11802916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Cells are thought to adopt mechanistically distinct migration modes depending on cell-type and environmental factors. These modes are assumed to be driven by mutually exclusive actin cytoskeletal organizations, which are either lamellar (flat, branched network) or cortical (crosslinked to the plasma membrane). Here we exploit Drosophila macrophage (hemocyte) developmental dispersal to reveal that these cells maintain both a lamellar actin network at their cell front and a cortical actin network at the rear. Loss of classical actin cortex regulators, such as Moesin, perturb hemocyte morphology and cell migration. Furthermore, cortical and lamellipodial actin networks are interregulated. Upon phosphorylation and binding to the plasma membrane, Moesin is advected to the rear by lamellar actin flow. Simultaneously, the cortical actin network feeds back on the lamella to help regulate actin flow speed and leading-edge dynamics. These data reveal that hemocyte motility requires both lamellipodial and cortical actin architectures in homeostatic equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefania Marcotti
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, SE1 1UL, London, UK
| | - David Salvador-Garcia
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, SE1 1UL, London, UK
| | | | - Mubarik Burki
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, SE1 1UL, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Davidson
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, G61 1BD, Glasgow, UK
| | - Will Wood
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh Bioquarter, EH16 4UU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian M Stramer
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, SE1 1UL, London, UK.
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8
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Currin-Ross D, Al-Izzi SC, Noordstra I, Yap AS, Morris RG. Advecting scaffolds: Controlling the remodeling of actomyosin with anillin. Phys Rev E 2025; 111:024403. [PMID: 40103056 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.111.024403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
We propose and analyze an active hydrodynamic theory that characterizes the effects of the scaffold protein anillin. Anillin is found at major sites of cortical activity, such as adherens junctions and the cytokinetic furrow, where the canonical regulator of actomyosin remodeling is the small GTPase, RhoA. RhoA acts via intermediary "effectors" to increase both the rates of activation of myosin motors and the polymerization of actin filaments. Anillin has been shown to scaffold this action of RhoA-improving critical rates in the signaling pathway without altering the essential biochemistry-but its contribution to the wider spatiotemporal organization of the cortical cytoskeleton remains poorly understood. Here we combine analytics and numerics to show how anillin can nontrivially regulate the cytoskeleton at hydrodynamic scales. At short times, anillin can amplify or dampen existing contractile instabilities, as well as alter the parameter ranges over which they occur. At long times, it can change both the size and speed of steady-state traveling pulses. The primary mechanism that underpins these behaviors is established to be the advection of anillin by myosin II motors, with the specifics relying on the values of two coupling parameters. These codify anillin's effect on local signaling kinetics and can be traced back to its interaction with the acidic phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP_{2}), thereby establishing a putative connection between actomyosin remodeling and membrane composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denni Currin-Ross
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- UNSW, School of Physics, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW, EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Sami C Al-Izzi
- UNSW, School of Physics, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems, Node, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ivar Noordstra
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Alpha S Yap
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Richard G Morris
- UNSW, School of Physics, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW, EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, Sydney 2052, Australia
- UNSW, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems, Node, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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9
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Liu J, Ha T. Connecting single-molecule and superresolution microscopies to cell biology through theoretical modeling. Biophys J 2025; 124:15-24. [PMID: 39600094 PMCID: PMC11739872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.11.3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent developments of single-molecule and superresolution microscopies reveal novel spatial-temporal features of various cellular processes with unprecedented details, and greatly facilitate the development of theoretical models. In this review, we synthesize our view of how to meaningfully integrate these experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to obtain deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms of cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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10
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Dharan R, Barnoy A, Tsaturyan AK, Grossman A, Goren S, Yosibash I, Nachmias D, Elia N, Sorkin R, Kozlov MM. Intracellular pressure controls the propagation of tension in crumpled cell membranes. Nat Commun 2025; 16:91. [PMID: 39747015 PMCID: PMC11696741 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Propagation of membrane tension mediates mechanical signal transduction along surfaces of live cells and sets the time scale of mechanical equilibration of cell membranes. Recent studies in several cell types and under different conditions revealed a strikingly wide variation range of the tension propagation speeds including extremely low ones. The latter suggests a possibility of long-living inhomogeneities of membrane tension crucially affecting mechano-sensitive membrane processes. Here, we propose, analyze theoretically, and support experimentally a mechanism of tension propagation in membranes crumpled by the contractile cortical cytoskeleton. The tension spreading is mediated by the membrane flow between the crumples. We predict the pace of the tension propagation to be controlled by the intra-cellular pressure and the degree of the membrane crumpling. We provide experimental support for the suggested mechanism by monitoring the rate of tension propagation in cells exposed to external media of different osmolarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raviv Dharan
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avishai Barnoy
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrey K Tsaturyan
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alon Grossman
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbar Yosibash
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dikla Nachmias
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (NIBN), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Natalie Elia
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (NIBN), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Raya Sorkin
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Michael M Kozlov
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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11
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Outla Z, Prechova M, Korelova K, Gemperle J, Gregor M. Mechanics of cell sheets: plectin as an integrator of cytoskeletal networks. Open Biol 2025; 15:240208. [PMID: 39875099 PMCID: PMC11774597 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Revised: 12/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Epithelia are multicellular sheets that form barriers defining the internal and external environments. The constant stresses acting at this interface require that epithelial sheets are mechanically robust and provide a selective barrier to the hostile exterior. These properties are mediated by cellular junctions which are physically linked with heavily crosslinked cytoskeletal networks. Such hardwiring is facilitated by plakins, a family of giant modular proteins which serve as 'molecular bridges' between different cytoskeletal filaments and multiprotein adhesion complexes. Dysfunction of cytoskeletal crosslinking compromises epithelial biomechanics and structural integrity. Subsequent loss of barrier function leads to disturbed tissue homeostasis and pathological consequences such as skin blistering or intestinal inflammation. In this article, we highlight the importance of the cytolinker protein plectin for the functional organization of epithelial cytoskeletal networks. In particular, we focus on the ability of plectin to act as an integrator of the epithelial cytoarchitecture that defines the biomechanics of the whole tissue. Finally, we also discuss the role of cytoskeletal crosslinking in emerging aspects of epithelial mechanobiology that are critical for the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Outla
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Magdalena Prechova
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Korelova
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jakub Gemperle
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Gregor
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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12
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Serrano T, Casartelli N, Ghasemi F, Wioland H, Cuvelier F, Salles A, Moya-Nilges M, Welker L, Bernacchi S, Ruff M, Jégou A, Romet-Lemonne G, Schwartz O, Frémont S, Echard A. HIV-1 budding requires cortical actin disassembly by the oxidoreductase MICAL1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2407835121. [PMID: 39556735 PMCID: PMC11621841 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2407835121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Many enveloped viruses bud from the plasma membrane that is tightly associated with a dense and thick actin cortex. This actin network represents a significant challenge for membrane deformation and scission, and how it is remodeled during the late steps of the viral cycle is largely unknown. Using superresolution microscopy, we show that HIV-1 buds in areas of the plasma membrane with low cortical F-actin levels. We find that the cellular oxidoreductase MICAL1 locally depolymerizes actin at budding sites to promote HIV-1 budding and release. Upon MICAL1 depletion, F-actin abnormally remains at viral budding sites, incompletely budded viruses accumulate at the plasma membrane and viral release is impaired. Remarkably, normal viral release can be restored in MICAL1-depleted cells by inhibiting Arp2/3-dependent branched actin networks. Mechanistically, we find that MICAL1 directly disassembles branched-actin networks and controls the timely recruitment of the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport scission machinery during viral budding. In addition, the MICAL1 activator Rab35 is recruited at budding sites, functions in the same pathway as MICAL1, and is also required for viral release. This work reveals a role for oxidoreduction in triggering local actin depolymerization to control HIV-1 budding, a mechanism that may be widely used by other viruses. The debranching activity of MICAL1 could be involved beyond viral budding in various other cellular functions requiring local plasma membrane deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Serrano
- Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3691, ParisF-75015, France
| | - Nicoletta Casartelli
- Virology department, Virus and Immunity Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, ParisF-75015, France
| | - Foad Ghasemi
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, ParisF-75013, France
| | - Hugo Wioland
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, ParisF-75013, France
| | - Frédérique Cuvelier
- Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3691, ParisF-75015, France
| | - Audrey Salles
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Photonic Bio-Imaging Unit, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (UTechS-PBI, C2RT), ParisF-75015, France
| | - Maryse Moya-Nilges
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Ultrastructural BioImaging, ParisF-75015, France
| | - Lisa Welker
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, CNRS UPR9002, StrasbourgF-67084, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, CNRS UMR 7104, Inserm U 1258, University of Strasbourg, IllkirchF-67404, France
| | - Serena Bernacchi
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, CNRS UPR9002, StrasbourgF-67084, France
| | - Marc Ruff
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, CNRS UMR 7104, Inserm U 1258, University of Strasbourg, IllkirchF-67404, France
| | - Antoine Jégou
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, ParisF-75013, France
| | | | - Olivier Schwartz
- Virology department, Virus and Immunity Lab, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, ParisF-75015, France
| | - Stéphane Frémont
- Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3691, ParisF-75015, France
| | - Arnaud Echard
- Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3691, ParisF-75015, France
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13
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Sakamoto R, Murrell MP. Mechanical power is maximized during contractile ring-like formation in a biomimetic dividing cell model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:9731. [PMID: 39523366 PMCID: PMC11551154 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53228-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatial and temporal dynamics of forces in cells coordinate essential behaviors like division, polarization, and migration. While intracellular signaling initiates contractile ring assembly during cell division, how mechanical forces coordinate division and their energetic costs remain unclear. Here, we develop an in vitro model where myosin-induced stress drives division-like shape changes in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs, liposomes). Myosin activity is controlled by light patterns globally or locally at the equator. Global activation causes slow, shallow cleavage furrows due to a tug-of-war between the equatorial and polar forces. By contrast, local activation leads to faster, deeper, and symmetric division as equatorial forces dominate. Dissociating the actin cortex at the poles is crucial for inducing significant furrowing. During furrowing, actomyosin flows align actin filaments parallel to the division plane, forming a contractile ring-like structure. Mechanical power is not greatest during contraction, but is maximized just before furrowing. This study reveals the quantitative relationship between force patterning and mechanical energy during division-like shape changes, providing insights into cell division mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sakamoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Systems Biology Institute, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Michael P Murrell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Systems Biology Institute, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Physics, Yale University, 217 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
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14
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Di X, Wang D, Shan X, Ding L, Zhong Z, Chen C, Wang D, Song Z, Wang J, Su QP, Yue S, Zhang M, Cheng F, Wang F. Probing the Nanonewton Mitotic Cell Deformation Force by Ion-Resonance-Enhanced Photonics Force Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:14004-14011. [PMID: 39378180 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are essential for regulating dynamic changes in cellular activities. A comprehensive understanding of these forces is imperative for unraveling fundamental mechanisms. Here, we develop a microprobe capable of facilitating the measurement of biological forces up to nanonewton levels in living cells. This probe is designed by coating the core of anatase titania particles with amorphous titania and silica shells and an upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) layer. Leveraging both antireflection and ion resonance effects from the shells, the optically trapped probe attains a maximum lateral optical trap stiffness of 14.24 pN μm-1 mW-1, surpassing the best reported value by a factor of 3. Employing this advanced probe in a photonic force microscope, we determine the elasticity modulus of mitotic HeLa cells as 1.27 ± 0.3 kPa. Nanonewton probes offer the potential to explore 3D cellular mechanics with unparalleled precision and spatial resolution, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying biomechanical mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Di
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Dejiang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Xuchen Shan
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Ding
- School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and IT University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Zhaoxiang Zhong
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Chaohao Chen
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Dajing Wang
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhiyong Song
- The first affiliated hospital, Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan 467000, China
| | - Jianyun Wang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Qian Peter Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and IT University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Shuhua Yue
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Faliang Cheng
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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15
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Verdys P, Rey Barroso J, Girel A, Vermeil J, Bergert M, Sanchez T, Métais A, Mangeat T, Bellard E, Bigot C, Astarie-Dequeker C, Labrousse A, Girard JP, Maridonneau-Parini I, Vérollet C, Lagarrigue F, Diz-Muñoz A, Heuvingh J, Piel M, du Roure O, Le Cabec V, Carréno S, Poincloux R. Ezrin, radixin, and moesin are dispensable for macrophage migration and cellular cortex mechanics. EMBO J 2024; 43:4822-4845. [PMID: 39026000 PMCID: PMC11535515 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular cortex provides crucial mechanical support and plays critical roles during cell division and migration. The proteins of the ERM family, comprised of ezrin, radixin, and moesin, are central to these processes by linking the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. To investigate the contributions of the ERM proteins to leukocyte migration, we generated single and triple ERM knockout macrophages. Surprisingly, we found that even in the absence of ERM proteins, macrophages still form the different actin structures promoting cell migration, such as filopodia, lamellipodia, podosomes, and ruffles. Furthermore, we discovered that, unlike every other cell type previously investigated, the single or triple knockout of ERM proteins does not affect macrophage migration in diverse contexts. Finally, we demonstrated that the loss of ERMs in macrophages does not affect the mechanical properties of their cortex. These findings challenge the notion that ERMs are universally essential for cortex mechanics and cell migration and support the notion that the macrophage cortex may have diverged from that of other cells to allow for their uniquely adaptive cortical plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Verdys
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Javier Rey Barroso
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Adeline Girel
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Joseph Vermeil
- PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Martin Bergert
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thibaut Sanchez
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Métais
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Mangeat
- LITC Core Facility, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Elisabeth Bellard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Claire Bigot
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine Astarie-Dequeker
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Labrousse
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Girard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Maridonneau-Parini
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Christel Vérollet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Lagarrigue
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Alba Diz-Muñoz
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julien Heuvingh
- PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Piel
- Institut Curie and Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, PSL University, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Olivia du Roure
- PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Le Cabec
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France.
| | - Sébastien Carréno
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Renaud Poincloux
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France.
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16
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Ansel M, Ramachandran K, Dey G, Brunet T. Origin and evolution of microvilli. Biol Cell 2024; 116:e2400054. [PMID: 39233537 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202400054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Microvilli are finger-like, straight, and stable cellular protrusions that are filled with F-actin and present a stereotypical length. They are present in a broad range of cell types across the animal tree of life and mediate several fundamental functions, including nutrient absorption, photosensation, and mechanosensation. Therefore, understanding the origin and evolution of microvilli is key to reconstructing the evolution of animal cellular form and function. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on microvilli evolution and perform a bioinformatic survey of the conservation of genes encoding microvillar proteins in animals and their unicellular relatives. RESULTS We first present a detailed description of mammalian microvilli based on two well-studied examples, the brush border microvilli of enterocytes and the stereocilia of hair cells. We also survey the broader diversity of microvilli and discuss similarities and differences between microvilli and filopodia. Based on our bioinformatic survey coupled with carefully reconstructed molecular phylogenies, we reconstitute the order of evolutionary appearance of microvillar proteins. We document the stepwise evolutionary assembly of the "molecular microvillar toolkit" with notable bursts of innovation at two key nodes: the last common filozoan ancestor (correlated with the evolution of microvilli distinct from filopodia) and the last common choanozoan ancestor (correlated with the emergence of inter-microvillar adhesions). CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE We conclude with a scenario for the evolution of microvilli from filopodia-like ancestral structures in unicellular precursors of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylan Ansel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, CNRS UMR3691, Evolutionary Cell Biology and Evolution of Morphogenesis Unit, Paris, France
- Cell Biology and Biophysics, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Master BioSciences, Département de Biologie, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Kaustubh Ramachandran
- Cell Biology and Biophysics, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gautam Dey
- Cell Biology and Biophysics, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thibaut Brunet
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, CNRS UMR3691, Evolutionary Cell Biology and Evolution of Morphogenesis Unit, Paris, France
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17
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Shahriari S, Ghildyal R. The actin-binding protein palladin associates with the respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein. J Virol 2024; 98:e0143524. [PMID: 39360826 PMCID: PMC11494977 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01435-24] [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] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) matrix (M) protein plays an important role in infection as it can interact with viral components as well as the host cell actin microfilaments. The M-actin interaction may play a role in facilitating the transportation of virion components to the apical surface, where RSV is released. We show that M protein's association with actin is facilitated by palladin, an actin-binding protein. Cells were infected with RSV or transfected to express full-length M as a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged protein, followed by removal of nuclear and cytosolic proteins to enrich for cytoskeleton and its associated proteins. M protein was present in inclusion bodies tethered to microfilaments in infected cells. In transfected cells, GFP-M was presented close to microfilaments, without association, suggesting the possible involvement of an additional protein in this interaction. As palladin can bind to proteins that also bind actin, we investigated its interaction with M. Cells were co-transfected to express GFP-M and palladin as an mCherry fluorescent-tagged protein, followed by cytoskeleton enrichment. M and palladin were observed to colocalize towards microfilaments, suggesting that palladin is involved in the M-actin interaction. In co-immunoprecipitation studies, M was found to associate with two isoforms of palladin, of 140 and 37 kDa. Interestingly, siRNA downregulation of palladin resulted in reduced titer of released RSV, while cell associated RSV titer increased, suggesting a role for palladin in virus release. Together, our data show that the M-actin interaction mediated by palladin is important for RSV budding and release.IMPORTANCERespiratory syncytial virus is responsible for severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children under 5 years old, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed. The interaction of the respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein with the host actin cytoskeleton is important in infection but has not been investigated in depth. In this study, we show that the respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein associates with actin microfilaments and the actin-binding protein palladin, suggesting a role for palladin in respiratory syncytial virus release. This study provides new insight into the role of the actin cytoskeleton in respiratory syncytial virus infection, a key host-RSV interaction in assembly. Understanding the mechanism by which the RSV M protein and actin interact will ultimately provide a basis for the development of therapeutics targeted at RSV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Shahriari
- Biomedical Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Reena Ghildyal
- Biomedical Research Cluster, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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18
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Do TL, Tachibana K, Yamamoto N, Ando K, Isoda T, Kihara T. Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with ACE2 induces cortical actin modulation, including dephosphorylation of ERM proteins and reduction of cortical stiffness. Hum Cell 2024; 38:3. [PMID: 39436480 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
Abstract
Cell surface cortical actin is a regulatory target for viral infection. We aimed to investigate the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on host cell cortical stiffness, an indicator of cortical actin structure. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein induced a reduction in cortical stiffness in ACE2-expressing cells. The interaction of RBD with ACE2 caused the inactivation of Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) proteins. We further investigated the effects of the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, BA.1 and BA.5. These RBDs influenced cortical stiffness depending on their affinity for ACE2. Our study provides the first evidence that the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein with ACE2 induces mechanobiological signals and attenuates the cortical actin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ly Do
- Department of Life and Environment Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan
| | - Kouichi Tachibana
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Norio Yamamoto
- Department of Microbiology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takaaki Isoda
- Department of Life and Environment Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan
| | - Takanori Kihara
- Department of Life and Environment Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan.
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19
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Busselman BW, Ratnayake I, Terasaki MR, Thakkar VP, Ilyas A, Otterpohl KL, Zimmerman JL, Chandrasekar I. Actin cytoskeleton and associated myosin motors within the renal epithelium. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 327:F553-F565. [PMID: 39052845 PMCID: PMC11483076 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00078.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the complexity of renal epithelial cell membrane architectures and organelles through careful review of ultrastructural and physiological studies published over the past several decades. We also showcase the vital roles played by the actin cytoskeleton and actin-associated myosin motor proteins in regulating cell type-specific physiological functions within the cells of the renal epithelium. The purpose of this review is to provide a fresh conceptual framework to explain the structure-function relationships that exist between the actin cytoskeleton, organelle structure, and cargo transport within the mammalian kidney. With recent advances in technologies to visualize the actin cytoskeleton and associated proteins within intact kidneys, it has become increasingly imperative to reimagine the functional roles of these proteins in situ to provide a rationale for their unique, cell type-specific functions that are necessary to establish and maintain complex physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook W Busselman
- Enabling Technologies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
- Basic Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States
| | | | - Mark R Terasaki
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
| | - Vedant P Thakkar
- Enabling Technologies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
| | - Arooba Ilyas
- Enabling Technologies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
- Basic Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States
| | - Karla L Otterpohl
- Enabling Technologies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
| | - Jenna L Zimmerman
- Enabling Technologies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
| | - Indra Chandrasekar
- Enabling Technologies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
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20
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Pfeffer PL. The first lineage determination in mammals. Dev Biol 2024; 513:12-30. [PMID: 38761966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.05.011] [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] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This review describes in detail the morphological, cytoskeletal and gene expression events leading to the gene regulatory network bifurcation point of trophoblast and inner cell mass cells in a variety of mammalian preimplantation embryos. The interrelated processes of compaction and polarity establishment are discussed in terms of how they affect YAP/WWTR activity and the location and fate of cells. Comparisons between mouse, human, cattle, pig and rabbit embryos suggest a conserved role for YAP/WWTR signalling in trophoblast induction in eutherian animals though the mechanisms for, and timing of, YAP/WWTR activation differs among species. Downstream targets show further differences, with the trophoblast marker GATA3 being a direct target in all examined mammals, while CDX2-positive and SOX2-negative regulation varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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21
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Nakamura M, Parkhurst SM. Calcium influx rapidly establishes distinct spatial recruitments of Annexins to cell wounds. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae101. [PMID: 38874345 PMCID: PMC11304956 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
To survive daily damage, the formation of actomyosin ring at the wound edge is required to rapidly close cell wounds. Calcium influx is one of the start signals for these cell wound repair events. Here, we find that the rapid recruitment of all 3 Drosophila calcium-responding and phospholipid-binding Annexin proteins (AnxB9, AnxB10, and AnxB11) to distinct regions around the wound is regulated by the quantity of calcium influx rather than their binding to specific phospholipids. The distinct recruitment patterns of these Annexins regulate the subsequent recruitment of RhoGEF2 and RhoGEF3 through actin stabilization to form a robust actomyosin ring. Surprisingly, while the wound does not close in the absence of calcium influx, we find that reduced calcium influx can still initiate repair processes, albeit leading to severe repair phenotypes. Thus, our results suggest that, in addition to initiating repair events, the quantity of calcium influx is important for precise Annexin spatiotemporal protein recruitment to cell wounds and efficient wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Susan M Parkhurst
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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22
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Rodríguez-Cruz D, Boquet-Pujadas A, López-Muñoz E, Rincón-Heredia R, Paredes-Díaz R, Flores-Fortis M, Olivo-Marin JC, Guillén N, Aguilar-Rojas A. Three-dimensional cell culture conditions promoted the Mesenchymal-Amoeboid Transition in the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1435708. [PMID: 39156975 PMCID: PMC11327030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1435708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among women, primarily due to its potential for metastasis. As BC progresses, the extracellular matrix (ECM) produces more type-I collagen, resulting in increased stiffness. This alteration influences cellular behaviors such as migration, invasion, and metastasis. Specifically, cancer cells undergo changes in gene expression that initially promote an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequently, a transition from a mesenchymal to an amoeboid (MAT) migration mode. In this way, cancer cells can migrate more easily through the stiffer microenvironment. Despite their importance, understanding MATs remains challenging due to the difficulty of replicating in vitro the conditions for cell migration that are observed in vivo. Methods To address this challenge, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) growth system that replicates the different matrix properties observed during the progression of a breast tumor. We used this model to study the migration and invasion of the Triple-Negative BC (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231, which is particularly subject to metastasis. Results Our results indicate that denser collagen matrices present a reduction in porosity, collagen fiber size, and collagen fiber orientation, which are associated with the transition of cells to a rounder morphology with bleb-like protrusions. We quantified how this transition is associated with a more persistent migration, an enhanced invasion capacity, and a reduced secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. Discussion Our findings suggest that the proposed 3D growth conditions (especially those with high collagen concentrations) mimic key features of MATs, providing a new platform to study the physiology of migratory transitions and their role in BC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodríguez-Cruz
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 “Luis Castelazo Ayala”, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aleix Boquet-Pujadas
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Biomedical Imaging Group, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS UMR3691, Paris, France
| | - Eunice López-Muñoz
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 “Luis Castelazo Ayala”, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ruth Rincón-Heredia
- Microscopy Core Unit, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Paredes-Díaz
- Microscopy Core Unit, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Flores-Fortis
- Cuajimalpa Unit, Engineering and Natural Science Doctoral Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
- Cuajimalpa Unit, Department of Natural Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jean-Christophe Olivo-Marin
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS UMR3691, Paris, France
| | - Nancy Guillén
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
- National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Arturo Aguilar-Rojas
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 “Luis Castelazo Ayala”, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
- Bioimage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
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23
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Banerjee DS, Freedman SL, Murrell MP, Banerjee S. Growth-induced collective bending and kinetic trapping of cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:409-419. [PMID: 38775207 PMCID: PMC12039077 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Growth and turnover of actin filaments play a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of actin networks within cells. Actin filament growth occurs within limited space and finite subunit resources in the actin cortex. To understand how filament growth shapes the emergent architecture of actin networks, we developed a minimal agent-based model coupling filament mechanics and growth in a limiting subunit pool. We find that rapid filament growth induces kinetic trapping of highly bent actin filaments. Such collective bending patterns are long-lived, organized around nematic defects, and arise from competition between filament polymerization and bending elasticity. The stability of nematic defects and the extent of kinetic trapping are amplified by an increase in the abundance of the actin pool and by crosslinking the network. These findings suggest that kinetic trapping is a robust consequence of growth in crowded environments, providing a route to program shape memory in actin networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deb Sankar Banerjee
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Michael P. Murrell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Systems Biology Institute, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shiladitya Banerjee
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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De Belly H, Weiner OD. Follow the flow: Actin and membrane act as an integrated system to globally coordinate cell shape and movement. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102392. [PMID: 38991476 PMCID: PMC11929537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Migratory cells are polarized with protrusive fronts and contractile rears. This spatial organization necessitates long-range coordination of the signals that organize protrusions and contractions. Cells leverage reciprocal interactions of short-range biochemical signals and long-range mechanical forces for this integration. The interface between the plasma membrane and actin cortex is where this communication occurs. Here, we review how the membrane and cortex form an integrated system for long-range coordination of cell polarity. We highlight the role of membrane-to-cortex-attachment proteins as regulators of tension transmission across the cell and discuss the interplay between actin-membrane and polarity signaling complexes. Rather than presenting an exhaustive list of recent findings, we focus on important gaps in our current understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry De Belly
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Orion D Weiner
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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25
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Flormann DAD, Kainka L, Montalvo G, Anton C, Rheinlaender J, Thalla D, Vesperini D, Pohland MO, Kaub KH, Schu M, Pezzano F, Ruprecht V, Terriac E, Hawkins RJ, Lautenschläger F. The structure and mechanics of the cell cortex depend on the location and adhesion state. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320372121. [PMID: 39042691 PMCID: PMC11295003 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320372121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells exist in different phenotypes and can transition between them. A phenotype may be characterized by many different aspects. Here, we focus on the example of whether the cell is adhered or suspended and choose particular parameters related to the structure and mechanics of the actin cortex. The cortex is essential to cell mechanics, morphology, and function, such as for adhesion, migration, and division of animal cells. To predict and control cellular functions and prevent malfunctioning, it is necessary to understand the actin cortex. The structure of the cortex governs cell mechanics; however, the relationship between the architecture and mechanics of the cortex is not yet well enough understood to be able to predict one from the other. Therefore, we quantitatively measured structural and mechanical cortex parameters, including cortical thickness, cortex mesh size, actin bundling, and cortex stiffness. These measurements required developing a combination of measurement techniques in scanning electron, expansion, confocal, and atomic force microscopy. We found that the structure and mechanics of the cortex of cells in interphase are different depending on whether the cell is suspended or adhered. We deduced general correlations between structural and mechanical properties and show how these findings can be explained within the framework of semiflexible polymer network theory. We tested the model predictions by perturbing the properties of the actin within the cortex using compounds. Our work provides an important step toward predictions of cell mechanics from cortical structures and suggests how cortex remodeling between different phenotypes impacts the mechanical properties of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. D. Flormann
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - L. Kainka
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - G. Montalvo
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - C. Anton
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - J. Rheinlaender
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen72076, Germany
| | - D. Thalla
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - D. Vesperini
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - M. O. Pohland
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - K. H. Kaub
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Georg-August-University, Göttingen37077, Germany
| | - M. Schu
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - F. Pezzano
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona08003, Spain
| | - V. Ruprecht
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona08003, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona08002, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona08010, Spain
| | - E. Terriac
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - R. J. Hawkins
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS3 7RH, United Kingdom
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Accra20046, Ghana
| | - F. Lautenschläger
- Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken66123, Germany
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26
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Alonso-Matilla R, Lam AR, Miettinen TP. Cell-intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cytokinetic furrow. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320769121. [PMID: 38990949 PMCID: PMC11260091 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320769121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis is the process where the mother cell's cytoplasm separates into daughter cells. This is driven by an actomyosin contractile ring that produces cortical contractility and drives cleavage furrow ingression, resulting in the formation of a thin intercellular bridge. While cytoskeletal reorganization during cytokinesis has been extensively studied, less is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of the plasma membrane. Here, we image and model plasma membrane lipid and protein dynamics on the cell surface during leukemia cell cytokinesis. We reveal an extensive accumulation and folding of the plasma membrane at the cleavage furrow and the intercellular bridge, accompanied by a depletion and unfolding of the plasma membrane at the cell poles. These membrane dynamics are caused by two actomyosin-driven biophysical mechanisms: the radial constriction of the cleavage furrow causes local compression of the apparent cell surface area and accumulation of the plasma membrane at the furrow, while actomyosin cortical flows drag the plasma membrane toward the cell division plane as the furrow ingresses. The magnitude of these effects depends on the plasma membrane fluidity, cortex adhesion, and cortical contractility. Overall, our work reveals cell-intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cleavage furrow that is likely to generate localized differences in membrane tension across the cytokinetic cell. This may locally alter endocytosis, exocytosis, and mechanotransduction, while also serving as a self-protecting mechanism against cytokinesis failures that arise from high membrane tension at the intercellular bridge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice R. Lam
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Teemu P. Miettinen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
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27
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Alonso-Matilla R, Provenzano PP, Odde DJ. Biophysical modeling identifies an optimal hybrid amoeboid-mesenchymal phenotype for maximal T cell migration speeds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.29.564655. [PMID: 39026744 PMCID: PMC11257493 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.564655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent experimental progress in characterizing cell migration mechanics, our understanding of the mechanisms governing rapid cell movement remains limited. To effectively limit tumor growth, antitumoral T cells need to rapidly migrate to find and kill cancer cells. To investigate the upper limits of cell speed, we developed a new hybrid stochastic-mean field model of bleb-based cell motility. We first examined the potential for adhesion-free bleb-based migration and show that cells migrate inefficiently in the absence of adhesion-based forces, i.e., cell swimming. While no cortical contractility oscillations are needed for cells to swim in viscoelastic media, high-to-low cortical contractility oscillations are necessary for cell swimming in viscous media. This involves a high cortical contractility phase with multiple bleb nucleation events, followed by an intracellular pressure buildup recovery phase at low cortical tensions, resulting in modest net cell motion. However, our model suggests that cells can employ a hybrid bleb- and adhesion-based migration mechanism for rapid cell motility and identifies conditions for optimality. The model provides a momentum-conserving mechanism underlying rapid single-cell migration and identifies factors as design criteria for engineering T cell therapies to improve movement in mechanically complex environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Alonso-Matilla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paolo P. Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, USA
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - David J. Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, USA
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28
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Effiong UM, Khairandish H, Ramirez-Velez I, Wang Y, Belardi B. Turn-on protein switches for controlling actin binding in cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5840. [PMID: 38992021 PMCID: PMC11239668 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Within a shared cytoplasm, filamentous actin (F-actin) plays numerous and critical roles across the cell body. Cells rely on actin-binding proteins (ABPs) to organize F-actin and to integrate its polymeric characteristics into diverse cellular processes. Yet, the multitude of ABPs that engage with and shape F-actin make studying a single ABP's influence on cellular activities a significant challenge. Moreover, without a means of manipulating actin-binding subcellularly, harnessing the F-actin cytoskeleton for synthetic biology purposes remains elusive. Here, we describe a suite of designed proteins, Controllable Actin-binding Switch Tools (CASTs), whose actin-binding behavior can be controlled with external stimuli. CASTs were developed that respond to different external inputs, providing options for turn-on kinetics and enabling orthogonality and multiplexing. Being genetically encoded, we show that CASTs can be inserted into native protein sequences to control F-actin association locally and engineered into structures to control cell and tissue shape and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unyime M Effiong
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Hannah Khairandish
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Isabela Ramirez-Velez
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yanran Wang
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Brian Belardi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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29
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Cisterna BA, Skruber K, Jane ML, Camesi CI, Nguyen ID, Liu TM, Warp PV, Black JB, Butler MT, Bear JE, Mor DE, Read TA, Vitriol EA. Prolonged depletion of profilin 1 or F-actin causes an adaptive response in microtubules. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309097. [PMID: 38722279 PMCID: PMC11082369 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to its well-established role in actin assembly, profilin 1 (PFN1) has been shown to bind to tubulin and alter microtubule growth. However, whether PFN1's predominant control over microtubules in cells occurs through direct regulation of tubulin or indirectly through the polymerization of actin has yet to be determined. Here, we manipulated PFN1 expression, actin filament assembly, and actomyosin contractility and showed that reducing any of these parameters for extended periods of time caused an adaptive response in the microtubule cytoskeleton, with the effect being significantly more pronounced in neuronal processes. All the observed changes to microtubules were reversible if actomyosin was restored, arguing that PFN1's regulation of microtubules occurs principally through actin. Moreover, the cytoskeletal modifications resulting from PFN1 depletion in neuronal processes affected microtubule-based transport and mimicked phenotypes that are linked to neurodegenerative disease. This demonstrates how defects in actin can cause compensatory responses in other cytoskeleton components, which in turn significantly alter cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno A. Cisterna
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen Skruber
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Makenzie L. Jane
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Caleb I. Camesi
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ivan D. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Tatiana M. Liu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Peyton V. Warp
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joseph B. Black
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mitchell T. Butler
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James E. Bear
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle E. Mor
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Tracy-Ann Read
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eric A. Vitriol
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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30
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Urbanska M, Guck J. Single-Cell Mechanics: Structural Determinants and Functional Relevance. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:367-395. [PMID: 38382116 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030822-030629] [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: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical phenotype of a cell determines its ability to deform under force and is therefore relevant to cellular functions that require changes in cell shape, such as migration or circulation through the microvasculature. On the practical level, the mechanical phenotype can be used as a global readout of the cell's functional state, a marker for disease diagnostics, or an input for tissue modeling. We focus our review on the current knowledge of structural components that contribute to the determination of the cellular mechanical properties and highlight the physiological processes in which the mechanical phenotype of the cells is of critical relevance. The ongoing efforts to understand how to efficiently measure and control the mechanical properties of cells will define the progress in the field and drive mechanical phenotyping toward clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Urbanska
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany; ,
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany; ,
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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31
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Naganathan SR. An emerging role for tissue plasticity in developmental precision. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:987-995. [PMID: 38716859 PMCID: PMC11346420 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230173] [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] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Reproducible tissue morphology is a fundamental feature of embryonic development. To ensure such robustness during tissue morphogenesis, inherent noise in biological processes must be buffered. While redundant genes, parallel signaling pathways and intricate network topologies are known to reduce noise, over the last few years, mechanical properties of tissues have been shown to play a vital role. Here, taking the example of somite shape changes, I will discuss how tissues are highly plastic in their ability to change shapes leading to increased precision and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundar Ram Naganathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 1, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
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32
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Ferrai C, Schulte C. Mechanotransduction in stem cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151417. [PMID: 38729084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151417] [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] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, it is an established concept that the capability to reach a specialised cell identity via differentiation, as in the case of multi- and pluripotent stem cells, is not only determined by biochemical factors, but that also physical aspects of the microenvironment play a key role; interpreted by the cell through a force-based signalling pathway called mechanotransduction. However, the intricate ties between the elements involved in mechanotransduction, such as the extracellular matrix, the glycocalyx, the cell membrane, Integrin adhesion complexes, Cadherin-mediated cell/cell adhesion, the cytoskeleton, and the nucleus, are still far from being understood in detail. Here we report what is currently known about these elements in general and their specific interplay in the context of multi- and pluripotent stem cells. We furthermore merge this overview to a more comprehensive picture, that aims to cover the whole mechanotransductive pathway from the cell/microenvironment interface to the regulation of the chromatin structure in the nucleus. Ultimately, with this review we outline the current picture of the interplay between mechanotransductive cues and epigenetic regulation and how these processes might contribute to stem cell dynamics and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Ferrai
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carsten Schulte
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Department of Physics "Aldo Pontremoli", University of Milan, Italy.
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Tsai FC, Guérin G, Pernier J, Bassereau P. Actin-membrane linkers: Insights from synthetic reconstituted systems. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151402. [PMID: 38461706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151402] [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] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
At the cell surface, the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane interact reciprocally in a variety of processes related to the remodeling of the cell surface. The actin cytoskeleton has been known to modulate membrane organization and reshape the membrane. To this end, actin-membrane linking molecules play a major role in regulating actin assembly and spatially direct the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and the membrane. While studies in cells have provided a wealth of knowledge on the molecular composition and interactions of the actin-membrane interface, the complex molecular interactions make it challenging to elucidate the precise actions of the actin-membrane linkers at the interface. Synthetic reconstituted systems, consisting of model membranes and purified proteins, have been a powerful approach to elucidate how actin-membrane linkers direct actin assembly to drive membrane shape changes. In this review, we will focus only on several actin-membrane linkers that have been studied by using reconstitution systems. We will discuss the design principles of these reconstitution systems and how they have contributed to the understanding of the cellular functions of actin-membrane linkers. Finally, we will provide a perspective on future research directions in understanding the intricate actin-membrane interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ching Tsai
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Physics of Cells and Cancer, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Gwendal Guérin
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Physics of Cells and Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Julien Pernier
- Tumor Cell Dynamics Unit, Inserm U1279, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Patricia Bassereau
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Physics of Cells and Cancer, Paris 75005, France.
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Jakob R, Britt BR, Giampietro C, Mazza E, Ehret AE. Discrete network models of endothelial cells and their interactions with the substrate. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:941-957. [PMID: 38351427 PMCID: PMC11101350 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01815-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cell monolayers line the inner surfaces of blood and lymphatic vessels. They are continuously exposed to different mechanical loads, which may trigger mechanobiological signals and hence play a role in both physiological and pathological processes. Computer-based mechanical models of cells contribute to a better understanding of the relation between cell-scale loads and cues and the mechanical state of the hosting tissue. However, the confluency of the endothelial monolayer complicates these approaches since the intercellular cross-talk needs to be accounted for in addition to the cytoskeletal mechanics of the individual cells themselves. As a consequence, the computational approach must be able to efficiently model a large number of cells and their interaction. Here, we simulate cytoskeletal mechanics by means of molecular dynamics software, generally suitable to deal with large, locally interacting systems. Methods were developed to generate models of single cells and large monolayers with hundreds of cells. The single-cell model was considered for a comparison with experimental data. To this end, we simulated cell interactions with a continuous, deformable substrate, and computationally replicated multistep traction force microscopy experiments on endothelial cells. The results indicate that cell discrete network models are able to capture relevant features of the mechanical behaviour and are thus well-suited to investigate the mechanics of the large cytoskeletal network of individual cells and cell monolayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Jakob
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ben R Britt
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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35
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Rafati AH, Joca S, Vontell RT, Wegener G, Ardalan M. Approaches to embryonic neurodevelopment: from neural cell to neural tube formation through mathematical models. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae265. [PMID: 38851297 PMCID: PMC11162300 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the human central nervous system initiates in the early embryonic period until long after delivery. It has been shown that several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases originate from prenatal incidents. Mathematical models offer a direct way to understand neurodevelopmental processes better. Mathematical modelling of neurodevelopment during the embryonic period is challenging in terms of how to 'Approach', how to initiate modelling and how to propose the appropriate equations that fit the underlying dynamics of neurodevelopment during the embryonic period while including the variety of elements that are built-in naturally during the process of neurodevelopment. It is imperative to answer where and how to start modelling; in other words, what is the appropriate 'Approach'? Therefore, one objective of this study was to tackle the mathematical issue broadly from different aspects and approaches. The approaches were divided into three embryonic categories: cell division, neural tube growth and neural plate growth. We concluded that the neural plate growth approach provides a suitable platform for simulation of brain formation/neurodevelopment compared to cell division and neural tube growth. We devised a novel equation and designed algorithms that include geometrical and topological algorithms that could fit most of the necessary elements of the neurodevelopmental process during the embryonic period. Hence, the proposed equations and defined mathematical structure would be a platform to generate an artificial neural network that autonomously grows and develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Rafati
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine - Forskning og uddannelse, Vest, Aarhus University, Vest Ole Worms Allé 4 Bygning 1160, lokale 229, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Regina T Vontell
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Brain Endowment Bank, 1951 NW 7th Avenue, Suite 240 Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
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36
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Dupouy G, Dong Y, Herzog E, Chabouté ME, Berr A. Nuclear envelope dynamics in connection to chromatin remodeling. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:963-981. [PMID: 37067011 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus is a central organelle of eukaryotic cells undergoing dynamic structural changes during cellular fundamental processes such as proliferation and differentiation. These changes rely on the integration of developmental and stress signals at the nuclear envelope (NE), orchestrating responses at the nucleo-cytoplasmic interface for efficient genomic functions such as DNA transcription, replication and repair. While in animals, correlation has already been established between NE dynamics and chromatin remodeling using last-generation tools and cutting-edge technologies, this topic is just emerging in plants, especially in response to mechanical cues. This review summarizes recent data obtained in this field with more emphasis on the mechanical stress response. It also highlights similarities/differences between animal and plant cells at multiples scales, from the structural organization of the nucleo-cytoplasmic continuum to the functional impacts of NE dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Dupouy
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS- Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer,, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yihan Dong
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS- Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer,, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Etienne Herzog
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS- Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer,, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Edith Chabouté
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS- Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer,, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandre Berr
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS- Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer,, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
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Sakamoto R, Murrell MP. F-actin architecture determines the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3444. [PMID: 38658549 PMCID: PMC11043346 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47593-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical work serves as the foundation for dynamic cellular processes, ranging from cell division to migration. A fundamental driver of cellular mechanical work is the actin cytoskeleton, composed of filamentous actin (F-actin) and myosin motors, where force generation relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. F-actin architectures, whether bundled by crosslinkers or branched via nucleators, have emerged as pivotal regulators of myosin II force generation. However, it remains unclear how distinct F-actin architectures impact the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical work. Here, we employ in vitro reconstitution of distinct F-actin architectures with purified components to investigate their influence on myosin ATP hydrolysis (consumption). We find that F-actin bundles composed of mixed polarity F-actin hinder network contraction compared to non-crosslinked network and dramatically decelerate ATP consumption rates. Conversely, linear-nucleated networks allow network contraction despite reducing ATP consumption rates. Surprisingly, branched-nucleated networks facilitate high ATP consumption without significant network contraction, suggesting that the branched network dissipates energy without performing work. This study establishes a link between F-actin architecture and myosin energy consumption, elucidating the energetic principles underlying F-actin structure formation and the performance of mechanical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sakamoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA
- Systems Biology Institute, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael P Murrell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Systems Biology Institute, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Physics, Yale University, 217 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
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38
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Chandrasekaran A, Graham K, Stachowiak JC, Rangamani P. Kinetic trapping organizes actin filaments within liquid-like protein droplets. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3139. [PMID: 38605007 PMCID: PMC11009352 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Several actin-binding proteins (ABPs) phase separate to form condensates capable of curating the actin network shapes. Here, we use computational modeling to understand the principles of actin network organization within VASP condensate droplets. Our simulations reveal that the different actin shapes, namely shells, rings, and mixture states are highly dependent on the kinetics of VASP-actin interactions, suggesting that they arise from kinetic trapping. Specifically, we show that reducing the residence time of VASP on actin filaments reduces degree of bundling, thereby promoting assembly of shells rather than rings. We validate the model predictions experimentally using a VASP-mutant with decreased bundling capability. Finally, we investigate the ring opening within deformed droplets and found that the sphere-to-ellipsoid transition is favored under a wide range of filament lengths while the ellipsoid-to-rod transition is only permitted when filaments have a specific range of lengths. Our findings highlight key mechanisms of actin organization within phase-separated ABPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Chandrasekaran
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0411, USA
| | - Kristin Graham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0411, USA.
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Nikalayevich E, Letort G, de Labbey G, Todisco E, Shihabi A, Turlier H, Voituriez R, Yahiatene M, Pollet-Villard X, Innocenti M, Schuh M, Terret ME, Verlhac MH. Aberrant cortex contractions impact mammalian oocyte quality. Dev Cell 2024; 59:841-852.e7. [PMID: 38387459 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The cortex controls cell shape. In mouse oocytes, the cortex thickens in an Arp2/3-complex-dependent manner, ensuring chromosome positioning and segregation. Surprisingly, we identify that mouse oocytes lacking the Arp2/3 complex undergo cortical actin remodeling upon division, followed by cortical contractions that are unprecedented in mammalian oocytes. Using genetics, imaging, and machine learning, we show that these contractions stir the cytoplasm, resulting in impaired organelle organization and activity. Oocyte capacity to avoid polyspermy is impacted, leading to a reduced female fertility. We could diminish contractions and rescue cytoplasmic anomalies. Similar contractions were observed in human oocytes collected as byproducts during IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedures. These contractions correlate with increased cytoplasmic motion, but not with defects in spindle assembly or aneuploidy in mice or humans. Our study highlights a multiscale effect connecting cortical F-actin, contractions, and cytoplasmic organization and affecting oocyte quality, with implications for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Nikalayevich
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Letort
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3738, Université Paris Cité, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ghislain de Labbey
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Elena Todisco
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anastasia Shihabi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Hervé Turlier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Voituriez
- Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée (LPTMC), Laboratoire Jean Perrin, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Yahiatene
- Centre Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Nataliance, Groupe Mlab, Pôle Santé Oréliance, Saran, France
| | - Xavier Pollet-Villard
- Centre Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Nataliance, Groupe Mlab, Pôle Santé Oréliance, Saran, France
| | - Metello Innocenti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Melina Schuh
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marie-Emilie Terret
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène Verlhac
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France.
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40
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Campàs O, Noordstra I, Yap AS. Adherens junctions as molecular regulators of emergent tissue mechanics. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:252-269. [PMID: 38093099 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Tissue and organ development during embryogenesis relies on the collective and coordinated action of many cells. Recent studies have revealed that tissue material properties, including transitions between fluid and solid tissue states, are controlled in space and time to shape embryonic structures and regulate cell behaviours. Although the collective cellular flows that sculpt tissues are guided by tissue-level physical changes, these ultimately emerge from cellular-level and subcellular-level molecular mechanisms. Adherens junctions are key subcellular structures, built from clusters of classical cadherin receptors. They mediate physical interactions between cells and connect biochemical signalling to the physical characteristics of cell contacts, hence playing a fundamental role in tissue morphogenesis. In this Review, we take advantage of the results of recent, quantitative measurements of tissue mechanics to relate the molecular and cellular characteristics of adherens junctions, including adhesion strength, tension and dynamics, to the emergent physical state of embryonic tissues. We focus on systems in which cell-cell interactions are the primary contributor to morphogenesis, without significant contribution from cell-matrix interactions. We suggest that emergent tissue mechanics is an important direction for future research, bridging cell biology, developmental biology and mechanobiology to provide a holistic understanding of morphogenesis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otger Campàs
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Ivar Noordstra
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alpha S Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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41
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Li M. Harnessing atomic force microscopy-based single-cell analysis to advance physical oncology. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:631-659. [PMID: 38053519 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis is an emerging and promising frontier in the field of life sciences, which is expected to facilitate the exploration of fundamental laws of physiological and pathological processes. Single-cell analysis allows experimental access to cell-to-cell heterogeneity to reveal the distinctive behaviors of individual cells, offering novel opportunities to dissect the complexity of severe human diseases such as cancers. Among the single-cell analysis tools, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful and versatile one which is able to nondestructively image the fine topographies and quantitatively measure multiple mechanical properties of single living cancer cells in their native states under aqueous conditions with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Over the past few decades, AFM has been widely utilized to detect the structural and mechanical behaviors of individual cancer cells during the process of tumor formation, invasion, and metastasis, yielding numerous unique insights into tumor pathogenesis from the biomechanical perspective and contributing much to the field of cancer mechanobiology. Here, the achievements of AFM-based analysis of single cancer cells to advance physical oncology are comprehensively summarized, and challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achievements of AFM in characterizing the structural and mechanical behaviors of single cancer cells are summarized, and future directions are discussed. AFM is not only capable of visualizing cellular fine structures, but can also measure multiple cellular mechanical properties as well as cell-generated mechanical forces. There is still plenty of room for harnessing AFM-based single-cell analysis to advance physical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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42
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Lima JT, Pereira AJ, Ferreira JG. The LINC complex ensures accurate centrosome positioning during prophase. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302404. [PMID: 38228373 PMCID: PMC10791920 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurate centrosome separation and positioning during early mitosis relies on force-generating mechanisms regulated by a combination of extracellular, cytoplasmic, and nuclear cues. The identity of the nuclear cues involved in this process remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate how the prophase nucleus contributes to centrosome positioning during the initial stages of mitosis, using a combination of cell micropatterning, high-resolution live-cell imaging, and quantitative 3D cellular reconstruction. We show that in untransformed RPE-1 cells, centrosome positioning is regulated by a nuclear signal, independently of external cues. This nuclear mechanism relies on the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex that controls the timely loading of dynein on the nuclear envelope (NE), providing spatial cues for robust centrosome positioning on the shortest nuclear axis, before nuclear envelope permeabilization. Our results demonstrate how nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling maintains a robust centrosome positioning mechanism to ensure efficient mitotic spindle assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana T Lima
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Porto, Portugal
- Programa Doutoral em Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - António J Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge G Ferreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Porto, Portugal
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43
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Massey A, Stewart J, Smith C, Parvini C, McCormick M, Do K, Cartagena-Rivera AX. Mechanical properties of human tumour tissues and their implications for cancer development. NATURE REVIEWS. PHYSICS 2024; 6:269-282. [PMID: 38706694 PMCID: PMC11066734 DOI: 10.1038/s42254-024-00707-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells and tissues help determine their architecture, composition and function. Alterations to these properties are associated with many diseases, including cancer. Tensional, compressive, adhesive, elastic and viscous properties of individual cells and multicellular tissues are mostly regulated by reorganization of the actomyosin and microtubule cytoskeletons and extracellular glycocalyx, which in turn drive many pathophysiological processes, including cancer progression. This Review provides an in-depth collection of quantitative data on diverse mechanical properties of living human cancer cells and tissues. Additionally, the implications of mechanical property changes for cancer development are discussed. An increased knowledge of the mechanical properties of the tumour microenvironment, as collected using biomechanical approaches capable of multi-timescale and multiparametric analyses, will provide a better understanding of the complex mechanical determinants of cancer organization and progression. This information can lead to a further understanding of resistance mechanisms to chemotherapies and immunotherapies and the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Massey
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jamie Stewart
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Jamie Stewart, Chynna Smith
| | - Chynna Smith
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Jamie Stewart, Chynna Smith
| | - Cameron Parvini
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Moira McCormick
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kun Do
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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44
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Giri H, Biswas I, Rezaie AR. Thrombomodulin: a multifunctional receptor modulating the endothelial quiescence. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:905-914. [PMID: 38266676 PMCID: PMC10960680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Thrombomodulin (TM) is a type 1 receptor best known for its function as an anticoagulant cofactor for thrombin activation of protein C on the surface of vascular endothelial cells. In addition to its anticoagulant cofactor function, TM also regulates fibrinolysis, complement, and inflammatory pathways. TM is a multidomain receptor protein with a lectin-like domain at its N-terminus that has been shown to exhibit direct anti-inflammatory functions. This domain is followed by 6 epidermal growth factor-like domains that support the interaction of TM with thrombin. The interaction inhibits the procoagulant function of thrombin and enables the protease to regulate the anticoagulant and fibrinolytic pathways by activating protein C and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor. TM has a Thr/Ser-rich region immediately above the membrane surface that harbors chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans, and this region is followed by a single-spanning transmembrane and a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The structure and physiological function of the extracellular domains of TM have been extensively studied, and numerous excellent review articles have been published. However, the physiological function of the cytoplasmic domain of TM has remained poorly understood. Recent data from our laboratory suggest that intracellular signaling by the cytoplasmic domain of TM plays key roles in maintaining quiescence by modulating phosphatase and tensin homolog signaling in endothelial cells. This article briefly reviews the structure and function of extracellular domains of TM and focuses on the mechanism and possible physiological importance of the cytoplasmic domain of TM in modulating phosphatase and tensin homolog signaling in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Giri
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Indranil Biswas
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Alireza R Rezaie
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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45
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Alonso-Matilla R, Lam A, Miettinen TP. Cell intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cytokinetic furrow. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.13.566882. [PMID: 38014042 PMCID: PMC10680611 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cytokinesis is the process where the mother cell's cytoplasm separates into daughter cells. This is driven by an actomyosin contractile ring that produces cortical contractility and drives cleavage furrow ingression, resulting in the formation of a thin intercellular bridge. While cytoskeletal reorganization during cytokinesis has been extensively studied, little is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of the plasma membrane. Here, we image and model plasma membrane lipid and protein dynamics on the cell surface during leukemia cell cytokinesis. We reveal an extensive accumulation and folding of plasma membrane at the cleavage furrow and the intercellular bridge, accompanied by a depletion and unfolding of plasma membrane at the cell poles. These membrane dynamics are caused by two actomyosin-driven biophysical mechanisms: the radial constriction of the cleavage furrow causes local compression of the apparent cell surface area and accumulation of the plasma membrane at the furrow, while actomyosin cortical flows drag the plasma membrane towards the cell division plane as the furrow ingresses. The magnitude of these effects depends on the plasma membrane fluidity, cortex adhesion and cortical contractility. Overall, our work reveals cell intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cleavage furrow that is likely to generate localized differences in membrane tension across the cytokinetic cell. This may locally alter endocytosis, exocytosis and mechanotransduction, while also serving as a self-protecting mechanism against cytokinesis failures that arise from high membrane tension at the intercellular bridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Alonso-Matilla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alice Lam
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Teemu P Miettinen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Legere EA, Baumholtz AI, Lachance JFB, Archer M, Piontek J, Ryan AK. Claudin-3 in the non-neural ectoderm is essential for neural fold fusion in chicken embryos. Dev Biol 2024; 507:20-33. [PMID: 38154769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The neural tube, the embryonic precursor to the brain and spinal cord, begins as a flat sheet of epithelial cells, divided into non-neural and neural ectoderm. Proper neural tube closure requires that the edges of the neural ectoderm, the neural folds, to elevate upwards and fuse along the dorsal midline of the embryo. We have previously shown that members of the claudin protein family are required for the early phases of chick neural tube closure. Claudins are transmembrane proteins, localized in apical tight junctions within epithelial cells where they are essential for regulation of paracellular permeability, strongly involved in apical-basal polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and bridging the tight junction to cytoplasmic proteins. Here we explored the role of Claudin-3 (Cldn3), which is specifically expressed in the non-neural ectoderm. We discovered that depletion of Cldn3 causes folic acid-insensitive primarily spinal neural tube defects due to a failure in neural fold fusion. Apical cell surface morphology of Cldn3-depleted non-neural ectodermal cells exhibited increased membrane blebbing and smaller apical surfaces. Although apical-basal polarity was retained, we observed altered Par3 and Pals1 protein localization patterns within the apical domain of the non-neural ectodermal cells in Cldn3-depleted embryos. Furthermore, F-actin signal was reduced at apical junctions. Our data presents a model of spina bifida, and the role that Cldn3 is playing in regulating essential apical cell processes in the non-neural ectoderm required for neural fold fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth-Ann Legere
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Canada; The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Amanda I Baumholtz
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Canada; The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | | | | | - Jörg Piontek
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Aimee K Ryan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Canada; The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Alsouri S, Ambrose A, Mougios N, Paglilla N, Mayr F, Choi K, Loeber J, Chapuy B, Haeupl B, Opazo F, Oellerich T, Gold M, Engelke M. Actinin-4 controls survival signaling in B cells by limiting the lateral mobility of B-cell antigen receptors. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350774. [PMID: 38299456 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The structure and dynamics of F-actin networks in the cortical area of B cells control the signal efficiency of B-cell antigen receptors (BCRs). Although antigen-induced signaling has been studied extensively, the role of cortical F-actin in antigen-independent tonic BCR signaling is less well understood. Because these signals are essential for the survival of B cells and are consequently exploited by several B-cell lymphomas, we assessed how the cortical F-actin structure influences tonic BCR signal transduction. We employed genetic variants of a primary cell-like B-cell line that can be rendered quiescent to show that cross-linking of actin filaments by α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), but not ACTN1, is required to preserve the dense architecture of F-actin in the cortical area of B cells. The reduced cortical F-actin density in the absence of ACTN4 resulted in increased lateral BCR diffusion. Surprisingly, this was associated with reduced tonic activation of BCR-proximal effector proteins, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and pro-survival pathways. Accordingly, ACTN4-deficient B-cell lines and primary human B cells exhibit augmented apoptosis. Hence, our findings reveal that cortical F-actin architecture regulates antigen-independent tonic BCR survival signals in human B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saed Alsouri
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ashley Ambrose
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nikolaos Mougios
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), Goettingen, Germany
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Nadia Paglilla
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Florian Mayr
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kate Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jens Loeber
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - University Medical Center Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn Chapuy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - University Medical Center Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn Haeupl
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), Goettingen, Germany
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Gold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Engelke
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Xie X, Sauer F, Grosser S, Lippoldt J, Warmt E, Das A, Bi D, Fuhs T, Käs JA. Effect of non-linear strain stiffening in eDAH and unjamming. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1996-2007. [PMID: 38323652 PMCID: PMC10900305 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00630a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In cell clusters, the prominent factors at play encompass contractility-based enhanced tissue surface tension and cell unjamming transition. The former effect pertains to the boundary effect, while the latter constitutes a bulk effect. Both effects share outcomes of inducing significant elongation in cells. This elongation is so substantial that it surpasses the limits of linear elasticity, thereby giving rise to additional effects. To investigate these effects, we employ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to analyze how the mechanical properties of individual cells change under such considerable elongation. Our selection of cell lines includes MCF-10A, chosen for its pronounced demonstration of the extended differential adhesion hypothesis (eDAH), and MDA-MB-436, selected due to its manifestation of cell unjamming behavior. In the AFM analyses, we observe a common trend in both cases: as elongation increases, both cell lines exhibit strain stiffening. Notably, this effect is more prominent in MCF-10A compared to MDA-MB-436. Subsequently, we employ AFM on a dynamic range of 1-200 Hz to probe the mechanical characteristics of cell spheroids, focusing on both surface and bulk mechanics. Our findings align with the results from single cell investigations. Specifically, MCF-10A cells, characterized by strong contractile tissue tension, exhibit the greatest stiffness on their surface. Conversely, MDA-MB-436 cells, which experience significant elongation, showcase their highest stiffness within the bulk region. Consequently, the concept of single cell strain stiffening emerges as a crucial element in understanding the mechanics of multicellular spheroids (MCSs), even in the case of MDA-MB-436 cells, which are comparatively softer in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Xie
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Frank Sauer
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Steffen Grosser
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Lippoldt
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Enrico Warmt
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Amit Das
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dapeng Bi
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas Fuhs
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Josef A Käs
- Soft Matter Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Germany.
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Djakbarova U, Madraki Y, Chan ET, Wu T, Atreaga-Muniz V, Akatay AA, Kural C. Tension-induced adhesion mode switching: the interplay between focal adhesions and clathrin-containing adhesion complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.07.579324. [PMID: 38370749 PMCID: PMC10871318 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.07.579324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Integrin-based adhesion complexes are crucial in various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and motility. While the dynamics of canonical focal adhesion complexes (FAs) have been extensively studied, the regulation and physiological implications of the recently identified clathrin-containing adhesion complexes (CCACs) are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal mechanoregulations of FAs and CCACs in a breast cancer model. Employing single-molecule force spectroscopy coupled with live-cell fluorescence microscopy, we discovered that FAs and CCACs are mutually exclusive and inversely regulated complexes. This regulation is orchestrated through the modulation of plasma membrane tension, in combination with distinct modes of actomyosin contractility that can either synergize with or counteract this modulation. Our findings indicate that increased membrane tension promotes the association of CCACs at integrin αVβ5 adhesion sites, leading to decreased cancer cell proliferation, spreading, and migration. Conversely, lower membrane tension promotes the formation of FAs, which correlates with the softer membranes observed in cancer cells, thus potentially facilitating cancer progression. Our research provides novel insights into the biomechanical regulation of CCACs and FAs, revealing their critical and contrasting roles in modulating cancer cell progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umida Djakbarova
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yasaman Madraki
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Emily T. Chan
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Tianyao Wu
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - A. Ata Akatay
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Comert Kural
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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50
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Giri H, Biswas I, Rezaie AR. Thrombomodulin Regulates PTEN/AKT Signaling Axis in Endothelial Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:352-365. [PMID: 38059351 PMCID: PMC10841639 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320000] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated that deletion of thrombomodulin gene from endothelial cells results in upregulation of proinflammatory phenotype. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the altered phenotype in thrombomodulin-deficient (TM-/-) cells. METHODS Different constructs containing deletions or mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin were prepared and introduced to TM-/- cells. The phenotype of cells expressing different derivatives of thrombomodulin and tissue samples of thrombomodulin-knockout mice were analyzed for expression of distinct regulatory genes in established signaling assays. RESULTS The phosphatase and tensin homolog were phosphorylated and its recruitment to the plasma membrane was impaired in TM-/- cells, leading to hyperactivation of AKT (protein kinase B) and phosphorylation-dependent nuclear exclusion of the transcription factor, forkhead box O1. The proliferative/migratory properties of TM-/- cells were enhanced, and cells exhibited hypersensitivity to stimulation by angiopoietin 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Reexpression of wild-type thrombomodulin in TM-/- cells normalized the cellular phenotype; however, thrombomodulin lacking its cytoplasmic domain failed to restore the normal phenotype in TM-/- cells. Increased basal permeability and loss of VE-cadherin were restored to normal levels by reexpression of wild-type thrombomodulin but not by a thrombomodulin construct lacking its cytoplasmic domain. A thrombomodulin cytoplasmic domain deletion mutant containing 3-membrane-proximal Arg-Lys-Lys residues restored the barrier-permeability function of TM-/- cells. Enhanced phosphatase and tensin homolog phosphorylation and activation of AKT and mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) were also observed in the liver of thrombomodulin-KO mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin interacts with the actin cytoskeleton and plays a crucial role in regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT signaling in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Giri
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Indranil Biswas
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
| | - Alireza R. Rezaie
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
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