Determining the degree of chromosomal instability in breast cancer cells by atomic force microscopy

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a source of genetic variation and is highly linked to the malignance of cancer. Determining the degree of CIN is necessary for understanding the role that it plays in tumor development. There is currently a lack of research on high-resolution characterization of CIN and the relationship between CIN and cell mechanics. Here, a method to determine CIN of breast cancer cells by high resolution imaging with atomic force microscopy (AFM) is explored. The numerical and structural changes of chromosomes in human breast cells (MCF-10A), moderately malignant breast cells (MCF-7) and highly malignant breast cells (MDA-MB-231) were observed and analyzed by AFM. Meanwhile, the nuclei, cytoskeleton and cell mechanics of the three kinds of cells were also investigated. The results showed the differences in CIN between the benign and cancer cells. Also, the degree of structural CIN increased with enhanced malignancy of cancer cells. This was also demonstrated by calculating the probability of micronucleus formation in these three kinds of cells. Meanwhile, we found that the area of the nucleus was related to the number of chromosomes in the nucleus. In addition, reduced or even aggregated actin fibers led to decreased elasticities in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. It was found that the rearrangement of actin fibers would affect the nucleus, and then lead to wrong mitosis and CIN. Using AFM to detect chromosomal changes in cells with different malignancy degrees provides a new detection method for the study of cell carcinogenesis with a perspective for targeted therapy of cancer.

Insights into the Mechanism of Action of the Degraded Limonoid Prieurianin

Limonoids are extremely diversified in plants, with many categories of products bearing an intact, rearranged or fragmented oxygenated scaffold. A specific subgroup of fragmented or degraded limonoids derives from the tetranortriterpenoid prieurianin, initially isolated from the tree Trichilia prieuriana but also found in other plants of the Meliaceae family, including the more abundant species Aphanamixis polystachya. Prieurianin-type limonoids include about seventy compounds, among which are dregeanin and rohitukin. Prieurianin and analogs exhibit insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiadipogenic and/or antiparasitic properties but their mechanism of action remains ill-defined at present. Previous studies have shown that prieurianin, initially known as endosidin 1, stabilizes the actin cytoskeleton in plant and mammalian cells via the modulation of the architecture and dynamic of the actin network, most likely via interference with actin-binding proteins. A new mechanistic hypothesis is advanced here based on the recent discovery of the targeting of the chaperone protein Hsp47 by the fragmented limonoid fraxinellone. Molecular modeling suggested that prieurianin and, to a lesser extent dregeanin, can form very stable complexes with Hsp47 at the protein-collagen interface. Hsp-binding may account for the insecticidal action of the product. The present review draws up a new mechanistic portrait of prieurianin and provides an overview of the pharmacological properties of this atypical limonoid and its chemical family.

Early embryonic polarity establishment and implications for lineage differentiation

Polarity establishment is one of the key factors affecting early embryonic development. Polarity establishment begins with myosin phosphorylation in the 8-cell embryo, and phosphorylation activates actin leading to its initiation of contractility. Subsequently, actin undergoes reorganization to form an apical domain rich in microvilli on the non-contacting surface of each blastomere, and form the actomyosin ring that marks the maturation of the apical domain in conjunction with polar protein complexes and others. From the process of polarity establishment, it can be seen that the formation of the apical domain is influenced by actin-related proteins and polar protein complexes. Some zygote genome activation (ZGA) and lineage-specific genes also regulate polarity establishment. Polarity establishment underlies the first cell lineage differentiation during early embryonic development. It regulates lineage segregation and morphogenesis by affecting asymmetric cell division, asymmetric localization of lineage differentiation factors, and activity of the Hippo signaling pathway. In this review, we systematically summarize the mechanisms of early embryonic polarity establishment and its impact on lineage differentiation in mammals, and discuss the shortcomings of the currently available studies in terms of regulatory mechanisms and species, thereby providing clues and systematic perspectives for elucidating early embryonic polarity establishment.

Rho GTPase signaling and mDia facilitate endocytosis via presynaptic actin

Neurotransmission at synapses is mediated by the fusion and subsequent endocytosis of synaptic vesicle membranes. Actin has been suggested to be required for presynaptic endocytosis but the mechanisms that control actin polymerization and its mode of action within presynaptic nerve terminals remain poorly understood. We combine optical recordings of presynaptic membrane dynamics and ultrastructural analysis with genetic and pharmacological manipulations to demonstrate that presynaptic endocytosis is controlled by actin regulatory diaphanous-related formins mDia1/3 and Rho family GTPase signaling in mouse hippocampal neurons. We show that impaired presynaptic actin assembly in the near absence of mDia1/3 and reduced RhoA activity is partly compensated by hyperactivation of Rac1. Inhibition of Rac1 signaling further aggravates impaired presynaptic endocytosis elicited by loss of mDia1/3. Our data suggest that interdependent mDia1/3-Rho and Rac1 signaling pathways cooperatively act to facilitate synaptic vesicle endocytosis by controlling presynaptic F-actin.

Design and Construction of a Multi-Tiered Minimal Actin Cortex for Structural Support in Lipid Bilayer Applications

Artificial lipid bilayers have revolutionized biochemical and biophysical research by providing a versatile interface to study aspects of cell membranes and membrane-bound processes in a controlled environment. Artificial bilayers also play a central role in numerous biosensing applications, form the foundational interface for liposomal drug delivery, and provide a vital structure for the development of synthetic cells. But unlike the envelope in many living cells, artificial bilayers can be mechanically fragile. Here, we develop prototype scaffolds for artificial bilayers made from multiple chemically linked tiers of actin filaments that can be bonded to lipid headgroups. We call the interlinked and layered assembly a multiple minimal actin cortex (multi-MAC). Construction of multi-MACs has the potential to significantly increase the bilayer's resistance to applied stress while retaining many desirable physical and chemical properties that are characteristic of lipid bilayers. Furthermore, the linking chemistry of multi-MACs is generalizable and can be applied almost anywhere lipid bilayers are important. This work describes a filament-by-filament approach to multi-MAC assembly that produces distinct 2D and 3D architectures. The nature of the structure depends on a combination of the underlying chemical conditions. Using fluorescence imaging techniques in model planar bilayers, we explore how multi-MACs vary with electrostatic charge, assembly time, ionic strength, and type of chemical linker. We also assess how the presence of a multi-MAC alters the underlying lateral diffusion of lipids and investigate the ability of multi-MACs to withstand exposure to shear stress.

FilGAP controls cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and process formation of kidney podocytes

The function of kidney podocytes is closely associated with actin cytoskeleton regulated by Rho small GTPases. Loss of actin-driven cell adhesions and processes is connected to podocyte dysfunction, proteinuria, and kidney diseases. FilGAP, a GTPase-activating protein for Rho small GTPase Rac1, is abundantly expressed in kidney podocytes, and its gene is linked to diseases in a family with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. In this study, we have studied the role of FilGAP in podocytes in vitro. Depletion of FilGAP in cultured podocytes induced loss of actin stress fibers and increased Rac1 activity. Conversely, forced expression of FilGAP increased stress fiber formation whereas Rac1 activation significantly reduced its formation. FilGAP localizes at the focal adhesion (FA), an integrin-based protein complex closely associated with stress fibers, that mediates cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion, and FilGAP depletion decreased FA formation and impaired attachment to the ECM. Moreover, in unique podocyte cell cultures capable of inducing the formation of highly organized processes including major processes and foot process-like projections, FilGAP depletion or Rac1 activation decreased the formation of these processes. The reduction of FAs and process formations in FilGAP-depleted podocyte cells was rescued by inhibition of Rac1 or P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a downstream effector of Rac1, and PAK1 activation inhibited their formations. Thus, FilGAP contributes to both cell-ECM adhesion and process formation of podocytes by suppressing Rac1/PAK1 signaling.

NUDC is critical for rod photoreceptor function, maintenance, and survival

NUDC (nuclear distribution protein C) is a mitotic protein involved in nuclear migration and cytokinesis across species. Considered a cytoplasmic dynein (henceforth dynein) cofactor, NUDC was shown to associate with the dynein motor complex during neuronal migration. NUDC is also expressed in postmitotic vertebrate rod photoreceptors where its function is unknown. Here, we examined the role of NUDC in postmitotic rod photoreceptors by studying the consequences of a conditional NUDC knockout in mouse rods (rNudC-/- ). Loss of NUDC in rods led to complete photoreceptor cell death at 6 weeks of age. By 3 weeks of age, rNudC-/- function was diminished, and rhodopsin and mitochondria were mislocalized, consistent with dynein inhibition. Levels of outer segment proteins were reduced, but LIS1 (lissencephaly protein 1), a well-characterized dynein cofactor, was unaffected. Transmission electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural defects within the rods of rNudC-/- by 3 weeks of age. We investigated whether NUDC interacts with the actin modulator cofilin 1 (CFL1) and found that in rods, CFL1 is localized in close proximity to NUDC. In addition to its potential role in dynein trafficking within rods, loss of NUDC also resulted in increased levels of phosphorylated CFL1 (pCFL1), which would purportedly prevent depolymerization of actin. The absence of NUDC also induced an inflammatory response in Müller glia and microglia across the neural retina by 3 weeks of age. Taken together, our data illustrate the critical role of NUDC in actin cytoskeletal maintenance and dynein-mediated protein trafficking in a postmitotic rod photoreceptor.

TMT-labeled quantitative proteomic reveals the mechanism of proteolysis and taste improvement of dry-cured bacon with Staphylococcus co-inoculation

To understand the mechanism of co-inoculation of Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus vitulinus (SX & SV) on structural protein degradation and taste enhancement of dry-cured bacon, protease activities, protein degradation, surface morphology of proteins and taste parameters of dry-cured bacon with Staphylococcus inoculation were investigated. The dry-cured bacon with co-inoculation of Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus vitulinus showed the best taste attributes. High residual activities in cathepsin B + L (more than 1.6-fold) and alanyl aminopeptidase (more than 1.4-fold) accelerated structural protein degradation in SX & SV. 32 down-regulated proteins were identified in SX & SV by TMT-labeled quantitative proteomic compared with control group; myosin and actin showed the most intense response to the accumulation of sweet and umami amino acids, and atomic force microscopy confirmed structural proteins breakdown by morphological changes. The accumulation of glutamic acid, alanine and lysine was mainly responsible for taste improvement of dry-cured bacon with Staphylococcus co-inoculation.

TiO2 nanotube topography enhances osteogenesis through filamentous actin and XB130-protein-mediated mechanotransduction

TiO2 nanotube topography, as nanomechanical stimulation, can significantly promote osteogenesis and improve the osteointegration on the interface of implants and bone tissue. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. XB130 is a member of the actin filament-associated protein family and is involved in the regulation of cytoskeleton and tyrosine kinase-mediated signalling as an adaptor protein. Whether XB130 is involved in TiO2 nanotubes-induced osteogenic differentiation and how it functions in mechano-biochemical signalling transduction remain to be elucidated. In this study, the role of XB130 on TiO2 nanotube-induced osteogenesis and mechanotransduction was systematically investigated. TiO2 nanotube topography was fabricated via anodic oxidation and characterized. The osteogenic effect was significantly accelerated by the TiO2 nanotube surface in vitro and vivo. XB130 was significantly upregulated during this process. Moreover, XB130 overexpression significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation, whereas its knockdown inhibited it. Filamentous actin depolymerization could change the expression and distribution of XB130, thus affecting osteogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, XB130 could interact with Src and result in the activation of the downstream PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway, which accounts for the regulation of osteogenesis. This study for the first time showed that the enhanced osteogenic effect of TiO2 nanotubes could be partly due to the filamentous actin and XB130 mediated mechano-biochemical signalling transduction, which might provide a reference for guiding the design and modification of prostheses to promote bone regeneration and osseointegration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: TiO2 nanotubes topography can regulate cytoskeletal rearrangement and thus promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. However, how filamentous actin converts mechanical stimulus into biochemical activity remains unclear. XB130 is a member of actin filament-associated protein family and involves in the regulation of tyrosine kinase-mediated signalling. Therefore, we hypothesised that XB130 might bridge the mechano-biochemical signalling transduction during TiO2 nanotubes-induced osteogenic differentiation. For the first time, this study shows that TiO2 nanotubes enhance osteogenesis through filamentous actin and XB130 mediated mechanotransduction, which provides new theoretical basis for guiding the design and modification of prostheses to promote bone regeneration and osseointegration.

Screening and validation of reference genes in Dracaena cochinchinensis using quantitative real-time PCR

Dragon's blood, the red resin derived from the wounded Dracaena, is a precious traditional medicine used by different culture. Dracaena cochinchinensis is one of the main species of Dracaena, and is the endangered medicinal plants in China. The vulnerable status severely limits the medicinal value and wide application of dragon's blood. Therefore, it's essential to analyze the mechanisms that form dragon's blood in order to increase artificial production. To clarify the mechanisms forming dragon's blood, understanding gene expression in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is the foundation. However, reference genes of D. cochinchinensis haven't been analyzed. In this study, expression profiles of seven commonly used housekeeping genes (Actin, α-EF, UBC, β-tubulin, 18S, GAPDH, His) were evaluated by using quantitative real-time PCR combined with the algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. On the basis of overall stability ranking, the best reference genes were the combinations β-tubulin +UBC for wounded stems and α-EF +18S + Actin for different organs. Reliability of the recommended reference genes was validated by normalizing relative expression of two key enzyme genes PAL1 and CHI1 in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The results provide a foundation to study gene expression in future research on D. cochinchinensis or other Dracaena.

Actin-depolymerizing factors 8 and 11 promote root hair elongation at high pH

A root hair is a polarly elongated single-celled structure that derives from a root epidermal cell and functions in uptake of water and nutrients from the surrounding environment. Previous reports have demonstrated that short periods of high pH inhibit root hair extension; but the effects of long-term high-pH treatment on root hair growth are still unclear. Here, we report that the duration of root hair elongation is significantly prolonged with increasing external pH, which counteracts the effect of decreasing root hair elongation rate and ultimately produces longer root hairs, whereas loss of actin-depolymerizing factor 8 and 11 (ADF8/11) function causes shortening of root hair length at high pH (pH 7.4). Accumulation of ADF8/11 at the tips of root hairs is inhibited by high pH, and increasing environmental pH affects the actin filament (F-actin) meshwork at the root hair tip. At high pH, the tip-focused F-actin meshwork is absent in root hairs of the adf8/11 mutant, actin filaments are disordered at the adf8/11 root hair tips, and actin turnover is attenuated. Secretory and recycling vesicles do not aggregate in the apical region of adf8/11 root hairs at high pH. Together, our results suggest that, under long-term exposure to high extracellular pH, ADF8/11 may establish and maintain the tip-focused F-actin meshwork to regulate polar trafficking of secretory/recycling vesicles at the root hair tips, thereby promoting root hair elongation.

The non-muscle actinopathy-associated mutation E334Q in cytoskeletal γ-actin perturbs interaction of actin filaments with myosin and ADF/cofilin family proteins

Various heterozygous cytoskeletal γ-actin mutations have been shown to cause Baraitser-Winter cerebrofrontofacial syndrome, non-syndromic hearing loss, or isolated eye coloboma. Here, we report the biochemical characterization of human cytoskeletal γ-actin carrying mutation E334Q, a mutation that leads to a hitherto unspecified non-muscle actinopathy. Following expression, purification, and removal of linker and thymosin β4 tag sequences, the p.E334Q monomers show normal integration into linear and branched actin filaments. The mutation does not affect thermal stability, actin filament nucleation, elongation, and turnover. Model building and normal mode analysis predict significant differences in the interaction of p.E334Q filaments with myosin motors and members of the ADF/cofilin family of actin-binding proteins. Assays probing the interactions of p.E334Q filaments with human class 2 and class 5 myosin motor constructs show significant reductions in sliding velocity and actin affinity. E334Q differentially affects cofilin-mediated actin dynamics by increasing the rate of cofilin-mediated de novo nucleation of actin filaments and decreasing the efficiency of cofilin-mediated filament severing. Thus, it is likely that p.E334Q-mediated changes in myosin motor activity, as well as filament turnover, contribute to the observed disease phenotype.

Cryo-EM structures reveal how phosphate release from Arp3 weakens actin filament branches formed by Arp2/3 complex

Arp2/3 complex nucleates branched actin filaments for cell and organelle movements. Here we report a 2.7 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the mature branch junction formed by S. pombe Arp2/3 complex that provides details about interactions with both mother and daughter filaments. We determine a second structure at 3.2 Å resolution with the phosphate analog BeFx bound with ADP to Arp3 and ATP bound to Arp2. In this ADP-BeFx transition state the outer domain of Arp3 is rotated 2° toward the mother filament compared with the ADP state and makes slightly broader contacts with actin in both the mother and daughter filaments. Thus, dissociation of Pi from the ADP-Pi transition state reduces the interactions of Arp2/3 complex with the actin filaments and may contribute to the lower mechanical stability of mature branch junctions with ADP bound to the Arps. Our structures also reveal that the mother filament in contact with Arp2/3 complex is slightly bent and twisted, consistent with the preference of Arp2/3 complex binding curved actin filaments. The small degree of twisting constrains models of actin filament mechanics.

Modeling thick filament activation suggests a molecular basis for force depression

Multiscale models aiming to connect muscle's molecular and cellular function have been difficult to develop, in part due to a lack of self-consistent multiscale data. To address this gap, we measured the force response from single, skinned rabbit psoas muscle fibers to ramp shortenings and step stretches performed on the plateau region of the force-length relationship. We isolated myosin from the same muscles and, under similar conditions, performed single-molecule and ensemble measurements of myosin's ATP-dependent interaction with actin using laser trapping and in vitro motility assays. We fit the fiber data by developing a partial differential equation model that includes thick filament activation, whereby an increase in force on the thick filament pulls myosin out of an inhibited state. The model also includes a series elastic element and a parallel elastic element. This parallel elastic element models a titin-actin interaction proposed to account for the increase in isometric force after stretch (residual force enhancement). By optimizing the model fit to a subset of our fiber measurements, we specified seven unknown parameters. The model then successfully predicted the remainder of our fiber measurements and also our molecular measurements from the laser trap and in vitro motility. The success of the model suggests that our multiscale data are self-consistent and can serve as a testbed for other multiscale models. Moreover, the model captures the decrease in isometric force observed in our muscle fibers after active shortening (force depression), suggesting a molecular mechanism for force depression, whereby a parallel elastic element combines with thick filament activation to decrease the number of cycling cross-bridges.

GRAF1 Acts as a Downstream Mediator of Parkin to Regulate Mitophagy in Cardiomyocytes

Cardiomyocytes rely on proper mitochondrial homeostasis to maintain contractility and achieve optimal cardiac performance. Mitochondrial homeostasis is controlled by mitochondrial fission, fusion, and mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). Mitophagy plays a particularly important role in promoting the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria in terminally differentiated cells. However, the precise mechanisms by which this is achieved in cardiomyocytes remain opaque. Our study identifies GRAF1 as an important mediator in PINK1-Parkin pathway-dependent mitophagy. Depletion of GRAF1 (Arhgap26) in cardiomyocytes results in actin remodeling defects, suboptimal mitochondria clustering, and clearance. Mechanistically, GRAF1 promotes Parkin-LC3 complex formation and directs autophagosomes to damaged mitochondria. Herein, we found that these functions are regulated, at least in part, by the direct binding of GRAF1 to phosphoinositides (PI(3)P, PI(4)P, and PI(5)P) on autophagosomes. In addition, PINK1-dependent phosphorylation of Parkin promotes Parkin-GRAF1-LC3 complex formation, and PINK1-dependent phosphorylation of GRAF1 (on S668 and S671) facilitates the clustering and clearance of mitochondria. Herein, we developed new phosphor-specific antibodies to these sites and showed that these post-translational modifications are differentially modified in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, our metabolic studies using serum collected from isoproterenol-treated WT and GRAF1CKO mice revealed defects in mitophagy-dependent cardiomyocyte fuel flexibility that have widespread impacts on systemic metabolism. In summary, our study reveals that GRAF1 co-regulates actin and membrane dynamics to promote cardiomyocyte mitophagy and that dysregulation of GRAF1 post-translational modifications may underlie cardiac disease pathogenesis.

Caspase-11/GSDMD contributes to the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy by promoting NETs formation

Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and promotes renal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Unresolved inflammation is strongly associated with renal fibrosis and is a well-known significant contributor to the progression of CKD, including hyperuricemia nephropathy. In the current study, we elucidated the impact of Caspase-11/Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) on progressive hyperuricemic nephropathy. We found that the Caspase-11/GSDMD signaling were markedly activated in the kidneys of hyperuricemic nephropathy. Deletion of Gsdmd or Caspase-11 protects against the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy by reducing kidney inflammation, proinflammatory and profibrogenic factors expression, NETs generation, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and fibrosis. Furthermore, specific deletion of Gsdmd or Caspase-11 in hematopoietic cells showed a protective effect on renal fibrosis in hyperuricemic nephropathy. Additionally, in vitro studies unveiled the capability of uric acid in inducing Caspase-11/GSDMD-dependent NETs formation, consequently enhancing α-smooth muscle actin production in macrophages. In summary, this study demonstrated the contributory role of Caspase-11/GSDMD in the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy by promoting NETs formation, which may shed new light on the therapeutic approach to treating and reversing hyperuricemic nephropathy.

LINC00869 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis via Protrusion Formation

Coordination of filament assembly and membrane remodeling is required for the directional migration of cancer cells. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) recruits the actin-related protein (ARP) 2/3 complex to assemble branched actin networks. The goal of our study was to assess the potential regulatory role exerted by the novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00869 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We used HCC cells to overexpress or knockdown LINC00869, analyzed patient data from publicly available databases and Cancer Hospital Affiliated with Zhengzhou University, and used a xenograft mouse model of HCC to study the molecular mechanism associated with LINC00869 expression. We found that high levels of LINC00869 expression were associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Next, we detected an interaction between LINC00869 and both WASP and ARP2 in HCC cells, and observed a modulatory effect of LINC00869 on the phosphorylation of WASP at Y291 and the activity of cell division control protein 42 (CDC42). These modulatory roles were required for WASP/CDC42 activity on F-actin polymerization to enhance membrane protrusion formation and maintain persistent cell polarization. This, in turn, promoted the migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells. Finally, we confirmed the role of LINC00869in vivo, using the tumor xenograft mouse model; and identified a positive correlation between LINC00869 expression levels and the phosphorylation levels of WASP in HCC samples. Overall, our findings suggest a unique mechanism by which LINC00869 orchestrates membrane protrusion during migration and invasion of HCC cells.

IMPLICATIONS

LncRNA LINC00869 regulates the activity of CDC42-WASP pathway and positively affects protrusion formation in HCC cells, which expands the current understanding of lncRNA functions as well as gives a better understanding of carcinogenesis.

Tankyrase inhibition interferes with junction remodeling, induces leakiness, and disturbs YAP1/TAZ signaling in the endothelium

Tankyrase inhibitors are increasingly considered for therapeutic use in malignancies that are characterized by high intrinsic β-catenin activity. However, how tankyrase inhibition affects the endothelium after systemic application remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate how the tankyrase inhibitor XAV939 affects endothelial cell function and the underlying mechanism involved. Endothelial cell function was analyzed using sprouting angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, junctional dynamics, and permeability using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and explanted mouse retina. Underlying signaling was studied using western blot, immunofluorescence, and qPCR in HUVEC in addition to luciferase reporter gene assays in human embryonic kidney cells. XAV939 treatment leads to altered junctional dynamics and permeability as well as impaired endothelial migration. Mechanistically, XAV939 increased stability of the angiomotin-like proteins 1 and 2, which impedes the nuclear translocation of YAP1/TAZ and consequently suppresses TEAD-mediated transcription. Intriguingly, XAV939 disrupts adherens junctions by inducing RhoA-Rho dependent kinase (ROCK)-mediated F-actin bundling, whereas disruption of F-actin bundling through the ROCK inhibitor H1152 restores endothelial cell function. Unexpectedly, this was accompanied by an increase in nuclear TAZ and TEAD-mediated transcription, suggesting differential regulation of YAP1 and TAZ by the actin cytoskeleton in endothelial cells. In conclusion, our findings elucidate the complex relationship between the actin cytoskeleton, YAP1/TAZ signaling, and endothelial cell function and how tankyrase inhibition disturbs this well-balanced signaling.

Helical motors and formins synergize to compact chiral filopodial bundles: A theoretical perspective

Chiral actin bundles have been shown to play an important role in cell dynamics, but our understanding of the molecular mechanisms which combine to generate chirality remains incomplete. To address this, we numerically simulate a crosslinked filopodial bundle under the actions of helical myosin motors and/or formins and examine the collective buckling and twisting of the actin bundle. We first show that a number of proposed mechanisms to buckle polymerizing actin bundles without motor activity fail under biologically-realistic parameters. We then demonstrate that a simplified model of myosin spinning action at the bundle base effectively "braids" the bundle, but cannot control compaction at the fiber tips. Finally, we show that formin-mediated polymerization and motor activity can act synergitically to compact filopodium bundles, as motor activity bends filaments into shapes that activate twist forces induced by formins. Stochastic fluctuations of actin polymerization rates and slower cross linking dynamics both increase buckling and decrease compaction. We discuss implications of our findings for mechanisms of cytoskeletal chirality.

Glutamate 139 of tropomyosin is critical for cardiac thin filament blocked-state stabilization

The cardiac thin filament proteins troponin and tropomyosin control actomyosin formation and thus cardiac contractility. Calcium binding to troponin changes tropomyosin position along the thin filament, allowing myosin head binding to actin required for heart muscle contraction. The thin filament regulatory proteins are hot spots for genetic mutations causing heart muscle dysfunction. While much of the thin filament structure has been characterized, critical regions of troponin and tropomyosin involved in triggering conformational changes remain unresolved. A poorly resolved region, helix-4 (H4) of troponin I, is thought to stabilize tropomyosin in a position on actin that blocks actomyosin interactions at low calcium concentrations during muscle relaxation. We have proposed that contact between glutamate 139 on tropomyosin and positively charged residues on H4 leads to blocking-state stabilization. In this study, we attempted to disrupt these interactions by replacing E139 with lysine (E139K) to define the importance of this residue in thin filament regulation. Comparison of mutant and wild-type tropomyosin was carried out using in-vitro motility assays, actin co-sedimentation, and molecular dynamics simulations to determine perturbations in troponin-tropomyosin function caused by the tropomyosin mutation. Motility assays revealed that mutant thin filaments moved at higher velocity at low calcium with increased calcium sensitivity demonstrating that tropomyosin residue 139 is vital for proper tropomyosin-mediated inhibition during relaxation. Similarly, molecular dynamic simulations revealed a mutation-induced decrease in interaction energy between tropomyosin-E139K and troponin I (R170 and K174). These results suggest that salt-bridge stabilization of tropomyosin position by troponin IH4 is essential to prevent actomyosin interactions during cardiac muscle relaxation.

Actin-templated Structures: Nature's Way to Hierarchical Surface Patterns (Gecko's Setae as Case Study)

The hierarchical design of the toe pad surface in geckos and its reversible adhesiveness have inspired material scientists for many years. Micro- and nano-patterned surfaces with impressive adhesive performance have been developed to mimic gecko's properties. While the adhesive performance achieved in some examples has surpassed living counterparts, the durability of the fabricated surfaces is limited and the capability to self-renew and restore function-inherent to biological systems-is unimaginable. Here the morphogenesis of gecko setae using skin samples from the Bibron´s gecko (Chondrodactylus bibronii) is studied. Gecko setae develop as specialized apical differentiation structures at a distinct cell-cell layer interface within the skin epidermis. A primary role for F-actin and microtubules as templating structural elements is necessary for the development of setae's hierarchical morphology, and a stabilization role of keratins and corneus beta proteins is identified. Setae grow from single cells in a bottom layer protruding into four neighboring cells in the upper layer. The resulting multicellular junction can play a role during shedding by facilitating fracture of the cell-cell interface and release of the high aspect ratio setae. The results contribute to the understanding of setae regeneration and may inspire future concepts to bioengineer self-renewable patterned adhesive surfaces.

Amyloid β interferes with wound healing of brain microvascular endothelial cells by disorganizing the actin cytoskeleton

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a disease in which amyloid β (Aβ) is deposited in the cerebral blood vessels, reducing compliance, tearing and weakening of vessel walls, leading to cerebral hemorrhage. The mechanisms by which Aβ leads to focal wall fragmentation and intimal damage are not well understood. We analyzed the motility of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) in real-time using a wound-healing assay. We observed the suppression of cell migration by visualizing Aβ aggregation using quantum dot (QD) nanoprobes. In addition, using QD nanoprobes and a SiR-actin probe, we simultaneously observed Aβ aggregation and F-actin organization in real-time for the first time. Aβ began to aggregate at the edge of endothelial cells, reducing cell motility. In addition, Aβ aggregation disorganized the actin cytoskeleton and induced abnormal actin aggregation. Aβ aggregated actively in the anterior group, where cell motility was active. Our findings may be a first step toward explaining the mechanism by which Aβ causes vascular wall fragility, bleeding, and rebleeding in CAA.

Machine learning inference of continuous single-cell state transitions during myoblast differentiation and fusion

Cells modify their internal organization during continuous state transitions, supporting functions from cell division to differentiation. However, tools to measure dynamic physiological states of individual transitioning cells are lacking. We combined live-cell imaging and machine learning to monitor ERK1/2-inhibited primary murine skeletal muscle precursor cells, that transition rapidly and robustly from proliferating myoblasts to post-mitotic myocytes and then fuse, forming multinucleated myotubes. Our models, trained using motility or actin intensity features from single-cell tracking data, effectively tracked real-time continuous differentiation, revealing that differentiation occurs 7.5-14.5 h post induction, followed by fusion ~3 h later. Co-inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 led to differentiation without fusion. Our model inferred co-inhibition leads to terminal differentiation, indicating that p38 is specifically required for transitioning from terminal differentiation to fusion. Our model also predicted that co-inhibition leads to changes in actin dynamics. Mass spectrometry supported these in silico predictions and suggested novel fusion and maturation regulators downstream of differentiation. Collectively, this approach can be adapted to various biological processes to uncover novel links between dynamic single-cell states and their functional outcomes.

A low-cost 2-D sarcomere model to demonstrate titin-related mechanisms for force production

Given the recently proposed three-filament theory of muscle contraction, we present a low-cost physical sarcomere model aimed at illustrating the role of titin in the production of active force in skeletal muscle. With inexpensive materials, it is possible to illustrate actin-myosin cross-bridge interactions between the thick and thin filaments and demonstrate the two different mechanisms by which titin is thought to contribute to active and passive muscle force. Specifically, the model illustrates how titin, a molecule with springlike properties, may increase its stiffness by binding free calcium upon muscle activation and reducing its extensible length by attaching itself to actin, resulting in the greater force-generating capacity after an active than a passive elongation that has been observed experimentally. The model is simple to build and manipulate, and demonstration to high school students was shown to result in positive perception and improved understanding of the otherwise complex titin-related mechanisms of force production in skeletal and cardiac muscles.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our physical sarcomere model illustrates not only the classic view of muscle contraction, the sliding filament and cross-bridge theories, but also the newly discovered role of titin in force regulation, called the three-filament theory. The model allows for easy visualization of the role of titin in muscle contraction and aids in explaining complex muscle properties that are not captured by the traditional cross-bridge theory.

Dynamic actin/septin network in megakaryocytes coordinates proplatelet elaboration

Megakaryocytes (MK) undergo extensive cytoskeletal rearrangements as they give rise to platelets. While cortical microtubule sliding has been implicated in proplatelet formation, the role of the actin cytoskeleton in proplatelet elongation is less understood. It is assumed that actin filament reorganization is important for platelet generation given that mouse models with mutations in actin-associated proteins exhibit thrombocytopenia. However, due to the essential role of the actin network during MK development, a differential understanding of the contribution of the actin cytoskeleton on proplatelet release is lacking. Here, we reveal that inhibition of actin polymerization impairs the formation of elaborate proplatelets by hampering proplatelet extension and bead formation along the proplatelet shaft, which was mostly independent of changes in cortical microtubule sliding. We identify Cdc42 and its downstream effectors, septins, as critical regulators of intracellular actin dynamics in MK, inhibition of which, similarly to inhibition of actin polymerization, impairs proplatelet movement and beading. Super-resolution microscopy revealed a differential association of distinctive septins with the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, respectively, which was disrupted upon septin inhibition and diminished intracellular filamentous actin dynamics. In vivo, septins, similarly to F-actin, were subject to changes in expression upon enforcing proplatelet formation through prior platelet depletion. In summary, we demonstrate that a Cdc42/septin axis is not only important for MK maturation and polarization, but is further required for intracellular actin dynamics during proplatelet formation.