Molecular mechanism of vinculin activation and nanoscale spatial organization in focal adhesions

Plectin linkages are mechanosensitive and required for the nuclear piston mechanism of three-dimensional cell migration

Cells migrating through physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) substrates such as cell-derived matrix (CDM) use actomyosin and vimentin intermediate filaments to pull the nucleus forward and pressurize the front of the cell as part of the nuclear piston mechanism of 3D migration. In this study, we tested the role of the cytoskeleton cross-linking protein plectin in facilitating the movement of the nucleus through 3D matrices. We find that the interaction of F-actin and vimentin filaments in cells on 2D glass and in 3D CDM requires actomyosin contractility. Plectin also facilitated these interactions and interacts with vimentin in response to NMII contractility and substrate stiffness, suggesting that the association of plectin and vimentin is mechanosensitive. We find that this mechanosensitive plectin complex slows down 2D migration but is critical for pulling the nucleus forward and generating compartmentalized intracellular pressure in 3D CDM, as well as low-pressure lamellipodial migration in 3D collagen. Finally, plectin expression helped to polarize NMII to in front of the nucleus and to localize the vimentin network around the nucleus. Together, our data suggest that plectin cross-links vimentin and actomyosin filaments, organizes the vimentin network, and polarizes NMII to facilitate the nuclear piston mechanism of 3D cell migration.

Cellular force-sensing through actin filaments

The actin cytoskeleton orchestrates cell mechanics and facilitates the physical integration of cells into tissues, while tissue-scale forces and extracellular rigidity in turn govern cell behaviour. Here, we discuss recent evidence that actin filaments (F-actin), the core building blocks of the actin cytoskeleton, also serve as molecular force sensors. We delineate two classes of proteins, which interpret forces applied to F-actin through enhanced binding interactions: 'mechanically tuned' canonical actin-binding proteins, whose constitutive F-actin affinity is increased by force, and 'mechanically switched' proteins, which bind F-actin only in the presence of force. We speculate mechanically tuned and mechanically switched actin-binding proteins are biophysically suitable for coordinating cytoskeletal force-feedback and mechanical signalling processes, respectively. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms mediating force-activated actin binding, which likely occurs both through the structural remodelling of F-actin itself and geometric rearrangements of higher-order actin networks. Understanding the interplay of these mechanisms will enable the dissection of force-activated actin binding's specific biological functions.

A nanomechanical strategy involving focal adhesion kinase for overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer

Despite implementation of nanomechanical studies in cancer research, studies on the nanomechanical aspects of drug resistance in cancer are lacking. Here, we established the mechanical signatures of drug-resistant breast cancer cells using atomic force microscopy-based indentation techniques and functionalized nanopatterned substrates (NPS). Additionally, we examined the expression of proteins pertinent to focal adhesions in order to elucidate the molecular signatures responsible for the acquisition of drug resistance in breast cancer cells. Drug-resistant breast cancer cells exhibited mechanical reinforcement, increased actin stress fibers, dysfunctional mechano-reciprocal interaction with the NPS, vinculin overexpression, and improved focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity. Owing to differences in FAK activation upon co-treatment with a FAK inhibitor, the drug-resistant breast cancer cells were eradicated more efficiently than invasive breast cancer cells having pro-survival activity. These findings demonstrated the potential of a novel co-treatment regimen using FAK inhibitors for overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer cells.

Emerging interplay of cytoskeletal architecture, cytomechanics and pluripotency

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are capable of differentiating into all three germ layers and trophoblasts, whereas tissue-specific adult stem cells have a more limited lineage potency. Although the importance of the cytoskeletal architecture and cytomechanical properties in adult stem cell differentiation have been widely appreciated, how they contribute to mechanotransduction in PSCs is less well understood. Here, we discuss recent insights into the interplay of cellular architecture, cell mechanics and the pluripotent states of PSCs. Notably, the distinctive cytomechanical and morphodynamic profiles of PSCs are accompanied by a number of unique molecular mechanisms. The extent to which such mechanobiological signatures are intertwined with pluripotency regulation remains an open question that may have important implications in developmental morphogenesis and regenerative medicine.

Integrin molecular tension required for focal adhesion maturation and YAP nuclear translocation

Focal adhesions (FAs) provide the cells linkages to extracellular matrix (ECM) at sites of integrins binding and transmit mechanical forces between the ECM and the actin cytoskeleton. Cells sense and respond to physical stimuli from their surrounding environment through the activation of mechanosensitive signaling pathways, a process called mechanotransduction. In this study, we used RGD-peptide conjugated DNA tension gauge tethers (TGTs) with different tension tolerance (T_tol) to determine the molecular forces required for FA maturation in different sizes and YAP nuclear translocation. We found that the limitation of FA sizes in cells seeded on TGTs with different T_tol were less than 1 μm, 2 μm, 3 μm, and 6 μm for T_tol values of 43 pN, 50 pN, 54 pN, and 56 pN, respectively. This suggests that the molecular tension across integrins increases gradually as FA size increases throughout FA maturation. For YAP nuclear translocation, significant YAP nuclear localization was observed only in the cells seeded on the TGTs with T_tol ≥ 54 pN, but not on TGTs with T_tol ≤ 50 pN, suggesting a threshold of molecular force across integrins for YAP nuclear translocation lies in the range of 50 pN–54 pN.

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Defining forces required for FA maturation and YAP nuclear translocation.

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Integrin tension enhances gradually with the increase of FA size.

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Forces required for YAP nuclear translocation lies in the range of 50–54 pN.

Optimal precision and accuracy in 4Pi-STORM using dynamic spline PSF models

Coherent fluorescence imaging with two objective lenses (4Pi detection) enables single-molecule localization microscopy with sub-10 nm spatial resolution in three dimensions. Despite its outstanding sensitivity, wider application of this technique has been hindered by complex instrumentation and the challenging nature of the data analysis. Here we report the development of a 4Pi-STORM microscope, which obtains optimal resolution and accuracy by modeling the 4Pi point spread function (PSF) dynamically while also using a simpler optical design. Dynamic spline PSF models incorporate fluctuations in the modulation phase of the experimentally determined PSF, capturing the temporal evolution of the optical system. Our method reaches the theoretical limits for precision and minimizes phase-wrapping artifacts by making full use of the information content of the data. 4Pi-STORM achieves a near-isotropic three-dimensional localization precision of 2–3 nm, and we demonstrate its capabilities by investigating protein and nucleic acid organization in primary neurons and mammalian mitochondria.

A dynamic model of the 4Pi point spread function enables localization microscopy with exceptional three-dimensional resolution and a simpler optical design. 4Pi-STORM images of neurons and mitochondria reveal new details of nanoscale protein and nucleic acid organization.

Paxillin: A Hub for Mechano-Transduction from the β3 Integrin-Talin-Kindlin Axis

Focal adhesions are specialized integrin-dependent adhesion complexes, which ensure cell anchoring to the extracellular matrix. Focal adhesions also function as mechano-signaling platforms by perceiving and integrating diverse physical and (bio)chemical cues of their microenvironment, and by transducing them into intracellular signaling for the control of cell behavior. The fundamental biological mechanism of creating intracellular signaling in response to changes in tensional forces appears to be tightly linked to paxillin recruitment and binding to focal adhesions. Interestingly, the tension-dependent nature of the paxillin binding to adhesions, combined with its scaffolding function, suggests a major role of this protein in integrating multiple signals from the microenvironment, and accordingly activating diverse molecular responses. This minireview offers an overview of the molecular bases of the mechano-sensitivity and mechano-signaling capacity of core focal adhesion proteins, and highlights the role of paxillin as a key component of the mechano-transducing machinery based on the interaction of cells to substrates activating the β3 integrin-talin1-kindlin.

Profiling the responsiveness of focal adhesions of human cardiomyocytes to extracellular dynamic nano-topography

Focal adhesion complexes function as the mediators of cell-extracellular matrix interactions to sense and transmit the extracellular signals. Previous studies have demonstrated that cardiomyocyte focal adhesions can be modulated by surface topographic features. However, the response of focal adhesions to dynamic surface topographic changes remains underexplored. To study this dynamic responsiveness of focal adhesions, we utilized a shape memory polymer-based substrate that can produce a flat-to-wrinkle surface transition triggered by an increase of temperature. Using this dynamic culture system, we analyzed three proteins (paxillin, vinculin and zyxin) from different layers of the focal adhesion complex in response to dynamic extracellular topographic change. Hence, we quantified the dynamic profile of cardiomyocyte focal adhesion in a time-dependent manner, which provides new understanding of dynamic cardiac mechanobiology.

Substrate rigidity modulates traction forces and stoichiometry of cell–matrix adhesions

In cell–matrix adhesions, integrin receptors and associated proteins provide a dynamic coupling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton. This allows bidirectional transmission of forces between the ECM and the cytoskeleton, which tunes intracellular signaling cascades that control survival, proliferation, differentiation, and motility. The quantitative relationships between recruitment of distinct cell–matrix adhesion proteins and local cellular traction forces are not known. Here, we applied quantitative super-resolution microscopy to cell–matrix adhesions formed on fibronectin-stamped elastomeric pillars and developed an approach to relate the number of talin, vinculin, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) molecules to the local cellular traction force. We find that FAK recruitment does not show an association with traction-force application, whereas a ∼60 pN force increase is associated with the recruitment of one talin, two vinculin, and two paxillin molecules on a substrate with an effective stiffness of 47 kPa. On a substrate with a fourfold lower effective stiffness, the stoichiometry of talin:vinculin:paxillin changes to 2:12:6 for the same ∼60 pN traction force. The relative change in force-related vinculin recruitment indicates a stiffness-dependent switch in vinculin function in cell–matrix adhesions. Our results reveal a substrate-stiffness-dependent modulation of the relationship between cellular traction-force and the molecular stoichiometry of cell–matrix adhesions.

Cell-extracellular matrix dynamics

The sites of interaction between a cell and its surrounding microenvironment serve as dynamic signaling hubs that regulate cellular adaptations during developmental processes, immune functions, wound healing, cell migration, cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as in many other disease states. For most cell types, these interactions are established by integrin receptors binding directly to extracellular matrix proteins, such as the numerous collagens or fibronectin. For the cell, these points of contact provide vital cues by sampling environmental conditions, both chemical and physical. The overall regulation of this dynamic interaction involves both extracellular and intracellular components and can be highly variable. In this review, we highlight recent advances and hypotheses about the mechanisms and regulation of cell-ECM interactions, from the molecular to the tissue level, with a particular focus on cell migration. We then explore how cancer cell invasion and metastasis are deeply rooted in altered regulation of this vital interaction.

Complete Model of Vinculin Suggests the Mechanism of Activation by Helical Super-Bundle Unfurling

To shed light onto the activation mechanism of vinculin, we carried out a detailed refinement of chicken vinculin and compared it to the human protein which is greater than 95% identical. Refinement resulted in a complete and significantly improved model. This model includes important elements such as a pro-rich strap region (PRR) and C-terminus. The conformation of the PRR stabilized by its inter- and intra-molecular contacts shows a dynamic, but relatively stable motif that constitutes a docking platform for multiple molecules. The contact of the C-terminus with the PRR suggests that phosphorylation of Tyr1065 might control activation and membrane binding. Improved electron densities showed the presence of large solvent molecules such as phosphates/sulfates and a head-group of PIP2. The improved model allowed for a computational stability analysis to be performed by the program Corex/Best which located numerous hot-spots of increased and decreased stability. Proximity of the identified binding sites for regulatory partners involved in inducing or suppressing the activation of vinculin to the unstable elements sheds new light onto the activation pathway and differential activation. This stability analysis suggests that the activation pathway proceeds by unfurling of the super-bundle built from four bundles of helices without separation of the Vt region (840-1066) from the head. According to our mechanism, when activating proteins bind at the strap region a separation of N and C terminal bundles occurs, followed by unfurling of the super-bundle and flattening of the general shape of the molecule, which exposes the interaction sites for binding of auxiliary proteins.

Intrinsic Mechanical Cues and Their Impact on Stem Cells and Embryogenesis

Although understanding how soluble cues direct cellular processes revolutionised the study of cell biology in the second half of the 20th century, over the last two decades, new insights into how mechanical cues similarly impact cell fate decisions has gained momentum. During development, extrinsic cues such as fluid flow, shear stress and compressive forces are essential for normal embryogenesis to proceed. Indeed, both adult and embryonic stem cells can respond to applied forces, but they can also detect intrinsic mechanical cues from their surrounding environment, such as the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, which impacts differentiation and morphogenesis. Cells can detect changes in their mechanical environment using cell surface receptors such as integrins and focal adhesions. Moreover, dynamic rearrangements of the cytoskeleton have been identified as a key means by which forces are transmitted from the extracellular matrix to the cell and vice versa. Although we have some understanding of the downstream mechanisms whereby mechanical cues are translated into changes in cell behaviour, many of the signalling pathways remain to be defined. This review discusses the importance of intrinsic mechanical cues on adult cell fate decisions, the emerging roles of cell surface mechano-sensors and the cytoskeleton in enabling cells to sense its microenvironment, and the role of intracellular signalling in translating mechanical cues into transcriptional outputs. In addition, the contribution of mechanical cues to fundamental processes during embryogenesis such as apical constriction and convergent extension is discussed. The continued development of tools to measure the biomechanical properties of soft tissues in vivo is likely to uncover currently underestimated contributions of these cues to adult stem cell fate decisions and embryogenesis, and may inform on regenerative strategies for tissue repair.

A Layered View on Focal Adhesions

Simple Summary

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibres within cells that provide structure and support intracellular transport. Focal adhesions are protein complexes associated with the outer cell membrane that are found at the ends of specialised actin fibres of this cytoskeleton. They mediate cell adhesion by connecting the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, a protein and sugar network that surrounds cells in tissues. Focal adhesions also translate forces on actin fibres into forces contributing to cell migration. Cell adhesion and migration are crucial to diverse biological processes such as embryonic development, proper functioning of the immune system or the metastasis of cancer cells. Advances in fluorescence microscopy and data analysis methods provided a more detailed understanding of the dynamic ways in which proteins bind and dissociate from focal adhesions and how they are organised within these protein complexes. In this review, we provide an overview of the advances in the current scientific understanding of focal adhesions and summarize relevant imaging techniques. One of the key insights is that focal adhesion proteins are organised into three layers parallel to the cell membrane. We discuss the relevance of this layered nature for the functioning of focal adhesion.

Abstract

The cytoskeleton provides structure to cells and supports intracellular transport. Actin fibres are crucial to both functions. Focal Adhesions (FAs) are large macromolecular multiprotein assemblies at the ends of specialised actin fibres linking these to the extracellular matrix. FAs translate forces on actin fibres into forces contributing to cell migration. This review will discuss recent insights into FA protein dynamics and their organisation within FAs, made possible by advances in fluorescence imaging techniques and data analysis methods. Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated that FAs are composed of three layers parallel to the plasma membrane. We focus on some of the most frequently investigated proteins, two from each layer, paxillin and FAK (bottom, integrin signalling layer), vinculin and talin (middle, force transduction layer) and zyxin and VASP (top, actin regulatory layer). Finally, we discuss the potential impact of this layered nature on different aspects of FA behaviour.

Quantitative Super-Resolution Microscopy to Assess Adhesion of Neuronal Cells on Single-Layer Graphene Substrates

Single Layer Graphene (SLG) has emerged as a critically important nanomaterial due to its unique optical and electrical properties and has become a potential candidate for biomedical applications, biosensors, and tissue engineering. Due to its intrinsic 2D nature, SLG is an ideal surface for the development of large-area biosensors and, due to its biocompatibility, can be easily exploited as a substrate for cell growth. The cellular response to SLG has been addressed in different studies with high cellular affinity for graphene often detected. Still, little is known about the molecular mechanism that drives/regulates the cellular adhesion and migration on SLG and SLG-coated interfaces with respect to other substrates. Within this scenario, we used quantitative super-resolution microscopy based on single-molecule localization to study the molecular distribution of adhesion proteins at the nanoscale level in cells growing on SLG and glass. In order to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the higher affinity of biological samples on SLG, we exploited stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) imaging and cluster analysis, quantifying the super-resolution localization of the adhesion protein vinculin in neurons and clearly highlighting substrate-related correlations. Additionally, a comparison with an epithelial cell line (Chinese Hamster Ovary) revealed a cell dependent mechanism of interaction with SLG.

PIP2-induced membrane binding of the vinculin tail competes with its other binding partners

Vinculin plays a key role during the first phase of focal adhesion formation and interacts with the plasma membrane through specific binding of its tail domain to the lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂). Our understanding of the PIP₂-vinculin interaction has been hampered by contradictory biochemical and structural data. Here, we used a multiscale molecular dynamics simulation approach, in which unbiased coarse-grained molecular dynamics were used to generate starting structures for subsequent microsecond-long all-atom simulations. This allowed us to map the interaction of the vinculin tail with PIP₂-enriched membranes in atomistic detail. In agreement with experimental data, we have shown that membrane binding is sterically incompatible with the intramolecular interaction between vinculin's head and tail domain. Our simulations further confirmed biochemical and structural results, which identified two positively charged surfaces, the basic collar and the basic ladder, as the main PIP₂ interaction sites. By introducing a valency-disaggregated binding network analysis, we were able to map the protein-lipid interactions in unprecedented detail. In contrast to the basic collar, in which PIP₂ is specifically recognized by an up to hexavalent binding pocket, the basic ladder forms a series of low-valency binding sites. Importantly, many of these PIP₂ binding residues are also involved in maintaining vinculin in a closed, autoinhibited conformation. These findings led us to propose a molecular mechanism for the coupling between vinculin activation and membrane binding. Finally, our refined binding site suggests an allosteric relationship between PIP₂ and F-actin binding that disfavors simultaneous interaction with both ligands, despite nonoverlapping binding sites.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B targets focal adhesion kinase and paxillin in cell-matrix adhesions

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B, also known as PTPN1) is an established regulator of cell-matrix adhesion and motility. However, the nature of substrate targets at adhesion sites remains to be validated. Here, we used bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, in combination with a substrate trapping mutant of PTP1B, to directly examine whether relevant phosphotyrosines on paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK, also known as PTK2) are substrates of the phosphatase in the context of cell-matrix adhesion sites. We found that the formation of catalytic complexes at cell-matrix adhesions requires intact tyrosine residues Y31 and Y118 on paxillin, and the localization of FAK at adhesion sites. Additionally, we found that PTP1B specifically targets Y925 on the focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domain of FAK at adhesion sites. Electrostatic analysis indicated that dephosphorylation of this residue promotes the closed conformation of the FAT 4-helix bundle and its interaction with paxillin at adhesion sites.

With an Ear Up against the Wall: An Update on Mechanoperception in Arabidopsis

Cells interpret mechanical signals and adjust their physiology or development appropriately. In plants, the interface with the outside world is the cell wall, a structure that forms a continuum with the plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton. Mechanical stress from cell wall damage or deformation is interpreted to elicit compensatory responses, hormone signalling, or immune responses. Our understanding of how this is achieved is still evolving; however, we can refer to examples from animals and yeast where more of the details have been worked out. Here, we provide an update on this changing story with a focus on candidate mechanosensitive channels and plasma membrane-localized receptors.

Cellular Interactions with Lubricin and Hyaluronic Acid-Lubricin Composite Coatings on Gold Electrodes in Passive and Electrically Stimulated Environments

In the field of bionics, the long-term effectiveness of implantable bionic interfaces depends upon maintaining a "clean" and unfouled electrical interface with biological tissues. Lubricin (LUB) is an innately biocompatible glycoprotein with impressive antifouling properties. Unlike traditional antiadhesive coatings, LUB coatings do not passivate electrode surfaces, giving LUB coatings great potential for controlling surface fouling of implantable electrode interfaces. This study characterizes the antifouling properties of bovine native LUB (N-LUB), recombinant human LUB (R-LUB), hyaluronic acid (HA), and composite coatings of HA and R-LUB (HA/R-LUB) on gold electrodes against human primary fibroblasts and chondrocytes in passive and electrically stimulated environments for up to 96 h. R-LUB coatings demonstrated highly effective antifouling properties, preventing nearly all adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts and chondrocytes even under biphasic electrical stimulation. N-LUB coatings, while showing efficacy in the short term, failed to produce sustained antifouling properties against fibroblasts or chondrocytes over longer periods of time. HA/R-LUB composite films also demonstrated highly effective antifouling performance equal to the R-LUB coatings in both passive and electrically stimulated environments. The high electrochemical stability and long-lasting antifouling properties of R-LUB and HA/R-LUB coatings in electrically stimulating environments reveal the potential of these coatings for controlling unwanted cell adhesion in implantable bionic applications.

Stiffness Regulates the Morphology, Adhesion, Proliferation, and Osteogenic Differentiation of Maxillary Schneiderian Sinus Membrane-Derived Stem Cells

Recent studies, which aim to optimize maxillary sinus augmentation, have paid significant attention exploring osteogenic potential of maxillary Schneiderian sinus membrane-derived cells (MSSM-derived cells). However, it remains unclear that how MSSM-derived cells could respond to niche's biomechanical properties. Herein, this study investigated the possible effects of substrate stiffness on rMSSM-derived stem cell fate. Initially, rMSSM-derived stem cells with multiple differentiation potential were successfully obtained. We then fabricated polyacrylamide substrates with varied stiffness ranging from 13 to 68 kPa to modulate the mechanical environment of rMSSM-derived stem cells. A larger cell spreading area and increased proliferation of rMSSM-derived stem cells were found on the stiffer substrates. Similarly, cells became more adhesive as their stiffness increased. Furthermore, the higher stiffness facilitated osteogenic differentiation of rMSSM-derived stem cells. Overall, our results indicated that increase in stiffness could mediate behaviors of rMSSM-derived stem cells, which may serve as a guide in future research to design novel biomaterials for maxillary sinus augmentation.

Designing Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture Using Dynamic Covalent Crosslinking

Designing simple biomaterials to replicate the biochemical and mechanical properties of tissues is an ongoing challenge in tissue engineering. For several decades, new biomaterials have been engineered using cytocompatible chemical reactions and spontaneous ligations via click chemistries to generate scaffolds and water swollen polymer networks, known as hydrogels, with tunable properties. However, most of these materials are static in nature, providing only macroscopic tunability of the scaffold mechanics, and do not reflect the dynamic environment of natural extracellular microenvironment. For more complex applications such as organoids or co-culture systems, there remain opportunities to investigate cells that locally remodel and change the physicochemical properties within the matrices. In this review, advanced biomaterials where dynamic covalent chemistry is used to produce stable 3D cell culture models and high-resolution constructs for both in vitro and in vivo applications, are discussed. The implications of dynamic covalent chemistry on viscoelastic properties of in vitro models are summarized, case studies in 3D cell culture are critically analyzed, and opportunities to further improve the performance of biomaterials for 3D tissue engineering are discussed.

Molecular motion and tridimensional nanoscale localization of kindlin control integrin activation in focal adhesions

Focal adhesions (FAs) initiate chemical and mechanical signals involved in cell polarity, migration, proliferation and differentiation. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that FAs are organized at the nanoscale into functional layers from the lower plasma membrane to the upper actin cytoskeleton. Yet, how FAs proteins are guided into specific nano-layers to promote interaction with given targets is unknown. Using single protein tracking, super-resolution microscopy and functional assays, we link the molecular behavior and 3D nanoscale localization of kindlin with its function in integrin activation inside FAs. We show that immobilization of integrins in FAs depends on interaction with kindlin. Unlike talin, kindlin displays free diffusion along the plasma membrane outside and inside FAs. We demonstrate that the kindlin Pleckstrin Homology domain promotes membrane diffusion and localization to the membrane-proximal integrin nano-layer, necessary for kindlin enrichment and function in FAs. Using kindlin-deficient cells, we show that kindlin membrane localization and diffusion are crucial for integrin activation, cell spreading and FAs formation. Thus, kindlin uses a different route than talin to reach and activate integrins, providing a possible molecular basis for their complementarity during integrin activation.

Actin-based force generation and cell adhesion in tissue morphogenesis

The generation of organismal form - morphogenesis - arises from forces produced at the cellular level. In animal cells, much of this force is produced by the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we review how mechanisms of actin-based force generation are deployed during animal morphogenesis to sculpt organs and organisms. Furthermore, we consider how cytoskeletal forces are coupled through cell adhesions to propagate across tissues, and discuss cases where cytoskeletal force or adhesion is patterned across a tissue to direct shape changes. Together, our review provides a conceptual framework that reflects our current understanding of animal morphogenesis and gives perspectives on future opportunities for study.

Bottom-up reconstitution of focal adhesion complexes

Focal adhesions (FA) are large macromolecular assemblies relevant for various cellular and pathological events such as migration, polarization, and metastatic cancer formation. At FA sites at the migrating periphery of a cell, hundreds of players gather and form a network to respond to extra cellular stimuli transmitted by the integrin receptor, the most upstream component within a cell, initiating the FA signaling pathway. Numerous cellular experiments have been performed to understand the FA architecture and functions; however, their intricate network formation hampers unraveling the precise molecular actions of individual players. Here, in vitro bottom‐up reconstitution presents an advantageous approach for elucidating the FA machinery and the hierarchical crosstalk of involved cellular players.

Focal adhesion dynamics in cellular function and disease

Acting as a bridge between the cytoskeleton of the cell and the extra cellular matrix (ECM), the cell-ECM adhesions with integrins at their core, play a major role in cell signalling to direct mechanotransduction, cell migration, cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, growth and repair. Biochemically, these adhesions are composed of diverse, yet an organised group of structural proteins, receptors, adaptors, various enzymes including protein kinases, phosphatases, GTPases, proteases, etc. as well as scaffolding molecules. The major integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) characterised are focal adhesions (FAs), invadosomes (podosomes and invadopodia), hemidesmosomes (HDs) and reticular adhesions (RAs). The varied composition and regulation of the IACs and their signalling, apart from being an integral part of normal cell survival, has been shown to be of paramount importance in various developmental and pathological processes. This review per-illustrates the recent advancements in the research of IACs, their crucial roles in normal as well as diseased states. We have also touched on few of the various methods that have been developed over the years to visualise IACs, measure the forces they exert and study their signalling and molecular composition. Having such pertinent roles in the context of various pathologies, these IACs need to be understood and studied to develop therapeutical targets. We have given an update to the studies done in recent years and described various techniques which have been applied to study these structures, thereby, providing context in furthering research with respect to IAC targeted therapeutics.

Scaffolds from Self-Assembling Tetrapeptides Support 3D Spreading, Osteogenic Differentiation, and Angiogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The apparent rise of bone disorders demands advanced treatment protocols involving tissue engineering. Here, we describe self-assembling tetrapeptide scaffolds for the growth and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The rationally designed peptides are synthetic amphiphilic self-assembling peptides composed of four amino acids that are nontoxic. These tetrapeptides can quickly solidify to nanofibrous hydrogels that resemble the extracellular matrix and provide a three-dimensional (3D) environment for cells with suitable mechanical properties. Furthermore, we can easily tune the stiffness of these peptide hydrogels by just increasing the peptide concentration, thus providing a wide range of peptide hydrogels with different stiffnesses for 3D cell culture applications. Since successful bone regeneration requires both osteogenesis and vascularization, our scaffold was found to be able to promote angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. The results presented suggest that ultrashort peptide hydrogels are promising candidates for applications in bone tissue engineering.

LIMD1 phase separation contributes to cellular mechanics and durotaxis by regulating focal adhesion dynamics in response to force

Cells sense and respond to extracellular mechanical cues through cell-matrix adhesions. Interestingly, the maturation of focal adhesions (FAs) is reciprocally force dependent. How biomechanical cues dictate the status of cell motility and how FAs spatial temporally coordinate force sensing and self-organization remain enigmatic. Here, we identify that LIMD1, a member of the LIM domain scaffolding proteins, undergoes force-sensitive condensation at the FAs. We also unveil that the multivalent interactions of LIMD1 intrinsically disordered region (IDR) and the LIM domains concertedly drive this phase transition under the regulation of phosphorylation. Intriguingly, formation of condensed LIMD1 protein compartments is sufficient to specifically enrich and localize late FA proteins. We further discover that LIMD1 regulates cell spreading, maintains FA dynamics and cellular contractility, and is critical for durotaxis-the ability of cells to crawl along gradients of substrate stiffness. Our results suggest a model that recruitment of LIMD1 to the FAs, via mechanical force triggered inter-molecular interaction, serves as a phase separation hub to assemble and organize matured FAs, thus allowing for efficient mechano-transduction and cell migration.

Maintenance of HDACs and H3K9me3 Prevents Arterial Flow-Induced Venous Endothelial Damage

The transition of flow microenvironments from veins to arteries in vein graft surgery induces “peel-off” of venous endothelial cells (vECs) and results in restenosis. Recently, arterial laminar shear stress (ALS) and oscillatory shear stress (OS) have been shown to affect the cell cycle and inflammation through epigenetic controls such as histone deacetylation by histone deacetylases (HDACs) and trimethylation on lysine 9 of histone 3 (H3K9me3) in arterial ECs. However, the roles of H3K9me3 and HDAC in vEC damage under ALS are not known. We hypothesized that the different responses of HDACs and H3K9me3 might cause vEC damage under the transition of venous flow to arterial flow. We found that arterial ECs showed high expression of H3K9me3 protein and were retained in the G0 phase of the cell cycle after being subjected to ALS. vECs became round under ALS with a decrease in the expression of H3K9me3, HDAC3, and HDAC5, and an increase in the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Inhibition of HDACs activity by a specific inhibitor, phenylbutyrate, in arterial ECs caused similar ALS-induced inflammation and cell loss as observed in vECs. Activation of HDACs and H3K9me3 by ITSA-1, an HDAC activator, could prevent ALS-induced peel-off and reduced VCAM-1 expression in vECs. Moreover, shear stress modulates EC morphology by the regulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression. ITSA-1 or EGF could increase phosphorylated (p)-FAK expression in vECs under ALS. We found that perturbation of the activity of p-FAK and increase in p-FAK expression restored ALS-induced H3K9me3 expression in vECs. Hence, the abnormal mechanoresponses of H3K9me3 and HDAC in vECs after being subjected to ALS could be reversed by ITSA-1 or EGF treatment: this offers a strategy to prevent vein graft failure.

Pre-complexation of talin and vinculin without tension is required for efficient nascent adhesion maturation

Talin and vinculin are mechanosensitive proteins that are recruited early to integrin-based nascent adhesions (NAs). In two epithelial cell systems with well-delineated NA formation, we find these molecules concurrently recruited to the subclass of NAs maturing to focal adhesions. After the initial recruitment under minimal load, vinculin accumulates in maturing NAs at a ~ fivefold higher rate than in non-maturing NAs, and is accompanied by a faster traction force increase. We identify the R8 domain in talin, which exposes a vinculin-binding-site (VBS) in the absence of load, as required for NA maturation. Disruption of R8 domain function reduces load-free vinculin binding to talin, and reduces the rate of additional vinculin recruitment. Taken together, these data show that the concurrent recruitment of talin and vinculin prior to mechanical engagement with integrins is essential for the traction-mediated unfolding of talin, exposure of additional VBSs, further recruitment of vinculin, and ultimately, NA maturation.

Structural and functional analysis of LIM domain-dependent recruitment of paxillin to αvβ3 integrin-positive focal adhesions

The LIM domain-dependent localization of the adapter protein paxillin to β3 integrin-positive focal adhesions (FAs) is not mechanistically understood. Here, by combining molecular biology, photoactivation and FA-isolation experiments, we demonstrate specific contributions of each LIM domain of paxillin and reveal multiple paxillin interactions in adhesion-complexes. Mutation of β3 integrin at a putative paxillin binding site (β3^VE/YA) leads to rapidly inward-sliding FAs, correlating with actin retrograde flow and enhanced paxillin dissociation kinetics. Induced mechanical coupling of paxillin to β3^VE/YA integrin arrests the FA-sliding, thereby disclosing an essential structural function of paxillin for the maturation of β3 integrin/talin clusters. Moreover, bimolecular fluorescence complementation unveils the spatial orientation of the paxillin LIM-array, juxtaposing the positive LIM4 to the plasma membrane and the β3 integrin-tail, while in vitro binding assays point to LIM1 and/or LIM2 interaction with talin-head domain. These data provide structural insights into the molecular organization of β3 integrin-FAs.

Micropattern-controlled chirality of focal adhesions regulates the cytoskeletal arrangement and gene transfection of mesenchymal stem cells

Cell chirality has been demonstrated to be important for controlling cell functions. However, it is not clear how the chirality of the extracellular microenvironment regulates cell adhesion and cytoskeletal structures and therefore affects gene transfection. In this study, the chirality of focal adhesions and the cytoskeleton of single human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was controlled by specially designed micropatterns, and its influence on gene transfection was investigated. Micropatterns with different cell adhesion areas and swirling stripe lines were prepared by micropatterning fibronectin on polystyrene surfaces. The chiral micropatterns induced the formation of chiral focal adhesions and chiral cytoskeletal structures. Gene transfection efficiency was enhanced with increasing adhesion area, while hMSCs on left-handed and right-handed swirling micropatterns showed the same level of gene transfection. When the swirling angle was changed from 0°, 30°, and 60° to 90°, the gene transfection efficiency at a swirling angle of 60° was the lowest. The influence of cell chirality on gene transfection was strongly associated with cellular uptake capacity, DNA synthesis and cytoskeletal mechanics. The results demonstrated that cytoskeletal swirling had a significant influence on gene transfection.

You Talking to Me? Cadherin and Integrin Crosstalk in Biomaterial Design

While much work has been done in the design of biomaterials to control integrin-mediated adhesion, less emphasis has been put on functionalization of materials with cadherin ligands. Yet, cell-cell contacts in combination with cell-matrix interactions are key in driving embryonic development, collective cell migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and cancer metastatic processes, among others. This review focuses on the incorporation of both cadherin and integrin ligands in biomaterial design, to promote what is called the "adhesive crosstalk." First, the structure and function of cadherins and their role in eliciting mechanotransductive processes, by themselves or in combination with integrin mechanosensing, are introduced. Then, biomaterials that mimic cell-cell interactions, and recent applications to get insights in fundamental biology and tissue engineering, are critically discussed.

The molecular conformation of silk fibroin regulates osteogenic cell behavior by modulating the stability of the adsorbed protein-material interface

Silk fibroin (SF) can be used to construct various stiff material interfaces to support bone formation. An essential preparatory step is to partially transform SF molecules from random coils to β-sheets to render the material water insoluble. However, the influence of the SF conformation on osteogenic cell behavior at the material interface remains unknown. Herein, three stiff SF substrates were prepared by varying the β-sheet content (high, medium, and low). The substrates had a comparable chemical composition, surface topography, and wettability. When adsorbed fibronectin was used as a model cellular adhesive protein, the stability of the adsorbed protein-material interface, in terms of the surface stability of the SF substrates and the accompanying fibronectin detachment resistance, increased with the increasing β-sheet content of the SF substrates. Furthermore, (i) larger areas of cytoskeleton-associated focal adhesions, (ii) higher orders of cytoskeletal organization and (iii) more elongated cell spreading were observed for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) cultured on SF substrates with high vs. low β-sheet contents, along with enhanced nuclear translocation and activation of YAP/TAZ and RUNX2. Consequently, osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was stimulated on high β-sheet substrates. These results indicated that the β-sheet content influences osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on SF materials in vitro by modulating the stability of the adsorbed protein-material interface, which proceeds via protein-focal adhesion-cytoskeleton links and subsequent intracellular mechanotransduction. Our findings emphasize the role of the stability of the adsorbed protein-material interface in cellular mechanotransduction and the perception of stiff SF substrates with different β-sheet contents, which should not be overlooked when engineering stiff biomaterials.

Manipulation of Focal Adhesion Signaling by Pathogenic Microbes

Focal adhesions (FAs) serve as dynamic signaling hubs within the cell. They connect intracellular actin to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and respond to environmental cues. In doing so, these structures facilitate important processes such as cell-ECM adhesion and migration. Pathogenic microbes often modify the host cell actin cytoskeleton in their pursuit of an ideal replicative niche or during invasion to facilitate uptake. As actin-interfacing structures, FA dynamics are also intimately tied to actin cytoskeletal organization. Indeed, exploitation of FAs is another avenue by which pathogenic microbes ensure their uptake, survival and dissemination. This is often achieved through the secretion of effector proteins which target specific protein components within the FA. Molecular mimicry of the leucine-aspartic acid (LD) motif or vinculin-binding domains (VBDs) commonly found within FA proteins is a common microbial strategy. Other effectors may induce post-translational modifications to FA proteins through the regulation of phosphorylation sites or proteolytic cleavage. In this review, we present an overview of the regulatory mechanisms governing host cell FAs, and provide examples of how pathogenic microbes have evolved to co-opt them to their own advantage. Recent technological advances pose exciting opportunities for delving deeper into the mechanistic details by which pathogenic microbes modify FAs.

Growth factor dependent changes in nanoscale architecture of focal adhesions

Focal adhesions (FAs) are flat elongated structures that mediate cell migration and link the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Along the vertical axis FAs were shown to be composed of three layers. We used structured illumination microscopy to examine the longitudinal distribution of four hallmark FA proteins, which we also used as markers for these layers. At the FA ends pointing towards the adherent membrane edge (heads), bottom layer protein paxillin protruded, while at the opposite ends (tails) intermediate layer protein vinculin and top layer proteins zyxin and VASP extended further. At the tail tips, only intermediate layer protein vinculin protruded. Importantly, head and tail compositions were altered during HGF-induced scattering with paxillin heads being shorter and zyxin tails longer. Additionally, FAs at protruding or retracting membrane edges had longer paxillin heads than FAs at static edges. These data suggest that redistribution of FA-proteins with respect to each other along FAs is involved in cell movement.

Loss-of-function or gain-of-function variations in VINCULIN (VCL) are risk factors of human neural tube defects

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe birth defects resulting from the failure of neural tube closure during embryogenesis. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the occurrence of NTDs and the heritability of NTDs is approximately 70%. As a key component of focal adhesions, Vinculin (VCL) plays pivotal roles in cell skeleton remodeling and signal transduction. Vcl deficient mice displayed NTD, but how VCL variants contribute to human NTDs has not been addressed yet.

Methods

We screened VCL variants in a Chinese cohort of 387 NTDs and 244 controls by targeted next‐generation sequencing.

Results

We identified four case‐specific VCL variations (p.M209L, p.D256fs, p.L555V and p.R586Q). VCL p.D256fs and p.L555V are novel variations that have never been reported. Our analysis revealed that p.D256fs is a loss‐of‐function variant, while p.L555V showed a gain of function in planner cell polarity (PCP) pathway regulation and cell migration, probably due to its enhanced protein stability.

Conclusion

Our study reports human NTD specific novel variations in VCL and provides the functional evaluation of VCL variants related to the etiology of human NTDs.

Single-Protein Tracking to Study Protein Interactions During Integrin-Based Migration

Cell migration is a complex biophysical process which involves the coordination of molecular assemblies including integrin-dependent adhesions, signaling networks and force-generating cytoskeletal structures incorporating both actin polymerization and myosin activity. During the last decades, proteomic studies have generated impressive protein-protein interaction maps, although the subcellular location, duration, strength, sequence, and nature of these interactions are still concealed. In this chapter we describe how recent developments in superresolution microscopy (SRM) and single-protein tracking (SPT) start to unravel protein interactions and actions in subcellular molecular assemblies driving cell migration.

Multi-Tissue Multi-Omics Nutrigenomics Indicates Context-Specific Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Rat Brain

SCOPE

The influence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on cardiometabolic and cognitive phenotypes, and multi-omic alterations in the brain under two metabolic conditions is explored to understand context-specific nutritional effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rats are randomly assigned to a DHA-rich or a control chow diet while drinking water or high fructose solution, followed by profiling of metabolic and cognitive phenotypes and the transcriptome and DNA methylome of the hypothalamus and hippocampus. DHA reduces serum triglyceride and improves insulin resistance and memory exclusively in the fructose-consuming rats. In hippocampus, DHA affects genes related to synapse functions in the chow group but immune functions in the fructose group; in hypothalamus, DHA alters immune pathways in the chow group but metabolic pathways in the fructose group. Network modeling reveals context-specific regulators of DHA effects, including Klf4 and Dusp1 for chow condition and Lum, Fn1, and Col1a1 for fructose condition in hippocampus, as well as Cyr61, JunB, Ier2, and Pitx2 under chow condition and Hcar1, Cdh1, and Osr1 under fructose condition in hypothalamus.

CONCLUSION

DHA exhibits differential influence on epigenetic loci, genes, pathways, and metabolic and cognitive phenotypes under different dietary contexts, supporting population stratification in DHA studies to achieve precision nutrition.

Talin-activated vinculin interacts with branched actin networks to initiate bundles

Vinculin plays a fundamental role in integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Activated by talin, it interacts with diverse adhesome components, enabling mechanical coupling between the actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. Here we studied the interactions of activated full-length vinculin with actin and the way it regulates the organization and dynamics of the Arp2/3 complex-mediated branched actin network. Through a combination of surface patterning and light microscopy experiments we show that vinculin can bundle dendritic actin networks through rapid binding and filament crosslinking. We show that vinculin promotes stable but flexible actin bundles having a mixed-polarity organization, as confirmed by cryo-electron tomography. Adhesion-like synthetic design of vinculin activation by surface-bound talin revealed that clustered vinculin can initiate and immobilize bundles from mobile Arp2/3-branched networks. Our results provide a molecular basis for coordinate actin bundle formation at nascent adhesions.

The R251Q mutation of LSD1 promotes invasion and migration of luminal breast cancer cells

LSD1 (KDM1A), a histone demethylase, plays important roles in breast cancer. The breast cancer patients with LSD1 mutation show significantly worse outcomes compared to those without LSD1 mutation. The R251Q mutation of LSD1 increases the invasion and migration of luminal breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the R251Q mutation of LSD1 alters the expression of genes that modulates the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Additionally, the R251Q mutation impairs the H3K4me2 demethylation activity of LSD1 by abolishing the interaction between LSD1 and CoREST, which leads to the increased expression of TRIM37, a histone H2A ubiquitin ligase that regulates the expression of E-cadherin. Collectively, our results suggest that the R251Q mutation abolishes the tumor suppressive effects of LSD1 on luminal breast cancer cells by disrupting the formation of functional LSD1/CoREST/HDAC complexes.

A Novel Electroporation System for Living Cell Staining and Membrane Dynamics Interrogation

A novel electroporation system was developed to introduce transient membrane pores to cells in a spatially and temporally controlled manner, allowing us to achieve fast electrotransfection and live cell staining as well as to systematically interrogate the dynamics of the cell membrane. Specifically, using this platform, we showed that both reversible and irreversible electroporation could be induced in the cell population, with nano-sized membrane pores in the former case being able to self-reseal in ~10 min. In addition, green fluorescent protein(GFP)-vinculin plasmid and 543 phalloidin have been delivered successively into fibroblast cells, which enables us to monitor the distinct roles of vinculin and F-actin in cell adhesion and migration as well as their possible interplay during these processes. Compared to conventional bulk electroporation and staining methods, the new system offers advantages such as low-voltage operation, cellular level manipulation and testing, fast and adjustable transfection/staining and real-time monitoring; the new system therefore could be useful in different biophysical studies in the future.

Topological features of integrin adhesion complexes revealed by multiplexed proximity biotinylation

Integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) bridge the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton and transduce signals in response to both chemical and mechanical cues. The composition, interactions, stoichiometry, and topological organization of proteins within IACs are not fully understood. To address this gap, we used multiplexed proximity biotinylation (BioID) to generate an in situ, proximity-dependent adhesome in mouse pancreatic fibroblasts. Integration of the interactomes of 16 IAC-associated baits revealed a network of 147 proteins with 361 proximity interactions. Candidates with underappreciated roles in adhesion were identified, in addition to established IAC components. Bioinformatic analysis revealed five clusters of IAC baits that link to common groups of prey, and which therefore may represent functional modules. The five clusters, and their spatial associations, are consistent with current models of IAC interaction networks and stratification. This study provides a resource to examine proximal relationships within IACs at a global level.

Mechanotransduction and Stiffness-Sensing: Mechanisms and Opportunities to Control Multiple Molecular Aspects of Cell Phenotype as a Design Cornerstone of Cell-Instructive Biomaterials for Articular Cartilage Repair

Since material stiffness controls many cell functions, we reviewed the currently available knowledge on stiffness sensing and elucidated what is known in the context of clinical and experimental articular cartilage (AC) repair. Remarkably, no stiffness information on the various biomaterials for clinical AC repair was accessible. Using mRNA expression profiles and morphology as surrogate markers of stiffness-related effects, we deduced that the various clinically available biomaterials control chondrocyte (CH) phenotype well, but not to equal extents, and only in non-degenerative settings. Ample evidence demonstrates that multiple molecular aspects of CH and mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) phenotype are susceptible to material stiffness, because proliferation, migration, lineage determination, shape, cytoskeletal properties, expression profiles, cell surface receptor composition, integrin subunit expression, and nuclear shape and composition of CHs and/or MSCs are stiffness-regulated. Moreover, material stiffness modulates MSC immuno-modulatory and angiogenic properties, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced lineage determination, and CH re-differentiation/de-differentiation, collagen type II fragment production, and TGF-β1- and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)-induced changes in cell stiffness and traction force. We then integrated the available molecular signaling data into a stiffness-regulated CH phenotype model. Overall, we recommend using material stiffness for controlling cell phenotype, as this would be a promising design cornerstone for novel future-oriented, cell-instructive biomaterials for clinical high-quality AC repair tissue.

Cell stretching is amplified by active actin remodelling to deform and recruit proteins in mechanosensitive structures

Detection and conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals controls cell functions during physiological and pathological processes. Mechanosensing is based on protein deformations and reorganizations, yet the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Using a cell-stretching device compatible with super-resolution microscopy and single-protein tracking, we explored the nanoscale deformations and reorganizations of individual proteins inside mechanosensitive structures. We achieved super-resolution microscopy after live stretching on intermediate filaments, microtubules and integrin adhesions. Simultaneous single-protein tracking and stretching showed that while integrins followed the elastic deformation of the substrate, actin filaments and talin also displayed lagged and transient inelastic responses associated with active acto-myosin remodelling and talin deformations. Capturing acute reorganizations of single molecules during stretching showed that force-dependent vinculin recruitment is delayed and depends on the maturation of integrin adhesions. Thus, cells respond to external forces by amplifying transiently and locally cytoskeleton displacements, enabling protein deformation and recruitment in mechanosensitive structures.

Phosphoinositides regulate force-independent interactions between talin, vinculin, and actin

Focal adhesions (FA) are large macromolecular assemblies which help transmit mechanical forces and regulatory signals between the extracellular matrix and an interacting cell. Two key proteins talin and vinculin connecting integrin to actomyosin networks in the cell. Both proteins bind to F-actin and each other, providing a foundation for network formation within FAs. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating their engagement remain unclear. Here, we report on the results of in vitro reconstitution of talin-vinculin-actin assemblies using synthetic membrane systems. We find that neither talin nor vinculin alone recruit actin filaments to the membrane. In contrast, phosphoinositide-rich membranes recruit and activate talin, and the membrane-bound talin then activates vinculin. Together, the two proteins then link actin to the membrane. Encapsulation of these components within vesicles reorganized actin into higher-order networks. Notably, these observations were made in the absence of applied force, whereby we infer that the initial assembly stage of FAs is force independent. Our findings demonstrate that the local membrane composition plays a key role in controlling the stepwise recruitment, activation, and engagement of proteins within FAs.

Rab18 regulates focal adhesion dynamics by interacting with kinectin-1 at the endoplasmic reticulum

The members of the Rab family of small GTPases are molecular switches that regulate distinct steps in different membrane traffic pathways. In addition to this canonical function, Rabs can play a role in other processes, such as cell adhesion and motility. Here, we reveal the role of the small GTPase Rab18 as a positive regulator of directional migration in chemotaxis, and the underlying mechanism. We show that knockdown of Rab18 reduces the size of focal adhesions (FAs) and influences their dynamics. Furthermore, we found that Rab18, by directly interacting with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein kinectin-1, controls the anterograde kinesin-1–dependent transport of the ER required for the maturation of nascent FAs and protrusion orientation toward a chemoattractant. Altogether, our data support a model in which Rab18 regulates kinectin-1 transport toward the cell surface to form ER–FA contacts, thus promoting FA growth and cell migration during chemotaxis.

Integrating Chemistry and Mechanics: The Forces Driving Axon Growth

The brain is our most complex organ. During development, neurons extend axons, which may grow over long distances along well-defined pathways to connect to distant targets. Our current understanding of axon pathfinding is largely based on chemical signaling by attractive and repulsive guidance cues. These cues instruct motile growth cones, the leading tips of growing axons, where to turn and where to stop. However, it is not chemical signals that cause motion-motion is driven by forces. Yet our current understanding of the mechanical regulation of axon growth is very limited. In this review, I discuss the origin of the cellular forces controlling axon growth and pathfinding, and how mechanical signals encountered by growing axons may be integrated with chemical signals. This mechanochemical cross talk is an important but often overlooked aspect of cell motility that has major implications for many physiological and pathological processes involving neuronal growth.

The Architecture of Talin1 Reveals an Autoinhibition Mechanism

Focal adhesions (FAs) are protein machineries essential for cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Talin is an integrin-activating and tension-sensing FA component directly connecting integrins in the plasma membrane with the actomyosin cytoskeleton. To understand how talin function is regulated, we determined a cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of full-length talin1 revealing a two-way mode of autoinhibition. The actin-binding rod domains fold into a 15-nm globular arrangement that is interlocked by the integrin-binding FERM head. In turn, the rod domains R9 and R12 shield access of the FERM domain to integrin and the phospholipid PIP₂ at the membrane. This mechanism likely ensures synchronous inhibition of integrin, membrane, and cytoskeleton binding. We also demonstrate that compacted talin1 reversibly unfolds to an ∼60-nm string-like conformation, revealing interaction sites for vinculin and actin. Our data explain how fast switching between active and inactive conformations of talin could regulate FA turnover, a process critical for cell adhesion and signaling.

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The structure of the autoinhibited human full-length talin1 was analyzed by cryo-EM

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Talin1 reversibly changes between a 15-nm closed and a ∼60-nm open conformation

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Rod R9/R12 and FERM domains synchronously shield membrane and cytoskeleton binding

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F-Actin and vinculin binding to talin is regulated by the opening of talin

Coupling to substrate adhesions drives the maturation of muscle stress fibers into myofibrils within cardiomyocytes

Forces generated by heart muscle contraction must be balanced by adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to other cells for proper heart function. Decades of data have suggested that cell-ECM adhesions are important for sarcomere assembly. However, the relationship between cell-ECM adhesions and sarcomeres assembling de novo remains untested. Sarcomeres arise from muscle stress fibers (MSFs) that are translocating on the top (dorsal) surface of cultured cardiomyocytes. Using an array of tools to modulate cell-ECM adhesion, we established a strong positive correlation between the extent of cell-ECM adhesion and sarcomere assembly. On the other hand, we found a strong negative correlation between the extent of cell-ECM adhesion and the rate of MSF translocation, a phenomenon also observed in nonmuscle cells. We further find a conserved network architecture that also exists in nonmuscle cells. Taken together, our results show that cell-ECM adhesions mediate coupling between the substrate and MSFs, allowing their maturation into sarcomere-containing myofibrils.

Cell matrix adhesion in cell migration

The ability of cells to migrate is a fundamental physiological process involved in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, immune surveillance and wound healing. In order for cells to migrate, they must interact with their environment using adhesion receptors, such as integrins, and form specialized adhesion complexes that mediate responses to different extracellular cues. In this review, we discuss the role of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) in cell migration, highlighting the layers of regulation that are involved, including intracellular signalling cascades, mechanosensing and reciprocal feedback to the extracellular environment. We also discuss the role of IACs in extracellular matrix remodeling and how they impact upon cell migration.