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Shoyer TC, Collins KL, Ham TR, Blanchard AT, Malavade JN, Johns BA, West JL, Hoffman BD. Detection of fluorescent protein mechanical switching in cellulo. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100815. [PMID: 38986612 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces is critical in many physiological and pathological processes. However, determining the mechanisms by which forces affect protein function inside cells remains challenging. Motivated by in vitro demonstrations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) undergoing reversible mechanical switching of fluorescence, we investigated whether force-sensitive changes in FP function could be visualized in cells. Guided by a computational model of FP mechanical switching, we develop a formalism for its detection in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors and demonstrate its occurrence in cellulo within a synthetic actin crosslinker and the mechanical linker protein vinculin. We find that in cellulo mechanical switching is reversible and altered by manipulation of cell force generation, external stiffness, and force-sensitive bond dynamics of the biosensor. This work describes a framework for assessing FP mechanical stability and provides a means of probing force-sensitive protein function inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Curtis Shoyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Kasie L Collins
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Aaron T Blanchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Benjamin A Johns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA
| | - Jennifer L West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.
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Dibus M, Joshi O, Ivaska J. Novel tools to study cell-ECM interactions, cell adhesion dynamics and migration. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102355. [PMID: 38631101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential for cell migration, mechanotransduction and tissue integrity. In vivo, these processes are regulated by complex physicochemical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). These nuanced cues, including molecular composition, rigidity and topology, call for sophisticated systems to faithfully explore cell behaviour. Here, we discuss recent methodological advances in cell-ECM adhesion research and compile a toolbox of techniques that we expect to shape this field in future. We outline methodological breakthroughs facilitating the transition from rigid 2D substrates to more complex and dynamic 3D systems, as well as advances in super-resolution imaging for an in-depth understanding of adhesion nanostructure. Selected methods are exemplified with relevant biological findings to underscore their applicability in cell adhesion research. We expect this new "toolbox" of methods will allow for a closer approximation of in vitro experimental setups to in vivo conditions, providing deeper insights into physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with cell-ECM adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Dibus
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Omkar Joshi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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Guo Y, Yan J, Goult BT. Mechanotransduction through protein stretching. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102327. [PMID: 38301379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to subtle changes in their physicality, and via a myriad of different mechanosensitive processes, convert these physical cues into chemical and biochemical signals. This process, called mechanotransduction, is possible due to a highly sophisticated machinery within cells. One mechanism by which this can occur is via the stretching of mechanosensitive proteins. Stretching proteins that contain force-dependent regions results in altered geometry and dimensions of the connections, as well as differential spatial organization of signals bound to the stretched protein. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss some of the intense recent activity in this area of mechanobiology that strives to understand how protein stretching can influence signaling outputs and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Guo
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore.
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK; Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
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Shoyer TC, Collins KL, Ham TR, Blanchard AT, Malavade JN, West JL, Hoffman BD. Detection of Fluorescent Protein Mechanical Switching in Cellulo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575065. [PMID: 38260589 PMCID: PMC10802509 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces is critical in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the mechanisms by which forces affect protein function inside cells remain unclear. Motivated by in vitro demonstrations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) undergoing reversible mechanical switching of fluorescence, we investigated if force-sensitive changes in FP function could be visualized in cells. Guided by a computational model of FP mechanical switching, we develop a formalism for its detection in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors and demonstrate its occurrence in cellulo in a synthetic actin-crosslinker and the mechanical linker protein vinculin. We find that in cellulo mechanical switching is reversible and altered by manipulation of cellular force generation as well as force-sensitive bond dynamics of the biosensor. Together, this work describes a new framework for assessing FP mechanical stability and provides a means of probing force-sensitive protein function inside cells. MOTIVATION The ability of cells to sense mechanical forces is critical in developmental, physiological, and pathological processes. Cells sense mechanical cues via force-induced alterations in protein structure and function, but elucidation of the molecular mechanisms is hindered by the lack of approaches to directly probe the effect of forces on protein structure and function inside cells. Motivated by in vitro observations of reversible fluorescent protein mechanical switching, we developed an approach for detecting fluorescent protein mechanical switching in cellulo . This enables the visualization of force-sensitive protein function inside living cells.
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Chirasani VR, Khan MAI, Malavade JN, Dokholyan NV, Hoffman BD, Campbell SL. Molecular basis and cellular functions of vinculin-actin directional catch bonding. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8300. [PMID: 38097542 PMCID: PMC10721916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells and tissues to respond differentially to mechanical forces applied in distinct directions is mediated by the ability of load-bearing proteins to preferentially maintain physical linkages in certain directions. However, the molecular basis and biological consequences of directional force-sensitive binding remain unclear. Vinculin (Vcn) is a load-bearing linker protein that exhibits directional catch bonding due to interactions between the Vcn tail domain (Vt) and filamentous (F)-actin. We developed a computational approach to predict Vcn residues involved in directional catch bonding and produced a set of associated Vcn variants with unaltered Vt structure, actin binding, or phospholipid interactions. Incorporation of the variants did not affect Vcn activation but reduced Vcn loading and altered exchange dynamics, consistent with the loss of directional catch bonding. Expression of Vcn variants perturbed the coordination of subcellular structures and cell migration, establishing key cellular functions for Vcn directional catch bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mohammad Ashhar I Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Shoyer TC, Gates EM, Cabe JI, Urs AN, Conway DE, Hoffman BD. Coupling during collective cell migration is controlled by a vinculin mechanochemical switch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316456120. [PMID: 38055737 PMCID: PMC10722971 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316456120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to move in a mechanically coupled, coordinated manner, referred to as collective cell migration, is central to many developmental, physiological, and pathophysiological processes. Limited understanding of how mechanical forces and biochemical regulation interact to affect coupling has been a major obstacle to unravelling the underlying mechanisms. Focusing on the linker protein vinculin, we use a suite of Förster resonance energy transfer-based biosensors to probe its mechanical functions and biochemical regulation, revealing a switch that toggles vinculin between loadable and unloadable states. Perturbation of the switch causes covarying changes in cell speed and coordination, suggesting alteration of the friction within the system. Molecular scale modelling reveals that increasing levels of loadable vinculin increases friction, due to engagement of self-stabilizing catch bonds. Together, this work reveals a regulatory switch for controlling cell coupling and describes a paradigm for relating biochemical regulation, altered mechanical properties, and changes in cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Curtis Shoyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Evan M. Gates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Jolene I. Cabe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23284
| | - Aarti N. Urs
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
| | - Daniel E. Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Brenton D. Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
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Conway JRW, Isomursu A, Follain G, Härmä V, Jou-Ollé E, Pasquier N, Välimäki EPO, Rantala JK, Ivaska J. Defined extracellular matrix compositions support stiffness-insensitive cell spreading and adhesion signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304288120. [PMID: 37844244 PMCID: PMC10614832 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304288120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin-dependent adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) mediates mechanosensing and signaling in response to altered microenvironmental conditions. In order to provide tissue- and organ-specific cues, the ECM is composed of many different proteins that temper the mechanical properties and provide the necessary structural diversity. Despite most human tissues being soft, the prevailing view from predominantly in vitro studies is that increased stiffness triggers effective cell spreading and activation of mechanosensitive signaling pathways. To address the functional coupling of ECM composition and matrix rigidity on compliant substrates, we developed a matrix spot array system to screen cell phenotypes against different ECM mixtures on defined substrate stiffnesses at high resolution. We applied this system to both cancer and normal cells and surprisingly identified ECM mixtures that support stiffness-insensitive cell spreading on soft substrates. Employing the motor-clutch model to simulate cell adhesion on biochemically distinct soft substrates, with varying numbers of available ECM-integrin-cytoskeleton (clutch) connections, we identified conditions in which spreading would be supported on soft matrices. Combining simulations and experiments, we show that cell spreading on soft is supported by increased clutch engagement on specific ECM mixtures and even augmented by the partial inhibition of actomyosin contractility. Thus, "stiff-like" spreading on soft is determined by a balance of a cell's contractile and adhesive machinery. This provides a fundamental perspective for in vitro mechanobiology studies, identifying a mechanism through which cells spread, function, and signal effectively on soft substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. W. Conway
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
| | - Aleksi Isomursu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
| | - Gautier Follain
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
| | - Ville Härmä
- Misvik Biology Oy, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Jou-Ollé
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
| | - Nicolas Pasquier
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
| | | | - Juha K. Rantala
- Misvik Biology Oy, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
- Western Finnish Cancer Center, University of Turku, TurkuFI-20520, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, HelsinkiFI-00014, Finland
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