1
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Dong L, Li L, Chen H, Cao Y, Lei H. Mechanochemistry: Fundamental Principles and Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403949. [PMID: 39206931 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Mechanochemistry is an emerging research field at the interface of physics, mechanics, materials science, and chemistry. Complementary to traditional activation methods in chemistry, such as heat, electricity, and light, mechanochemistry focuses on the activation of chemical reactions by directly or indirectly applying mechanical forces. It has evolved as a powerful tool for controlling chemical reactions in solid state systems, sensing and responding to stresses in polymer materials, regulating interfacial adhesions, and stimulating biological processes. By combining theoretical approaches, simulations and experimental techniques, researchers have gained intricate insights into the mechanisms underlying mechanochemistry. In this review, the physical chemistry principles underpinning mechanochemistry are elucidated and a comprehensive overview of recent significant achievements in the discovery of mechanically responsive chemical processes is provided, with a particular emphasis on their applications in materials science. Additionally, The perspectives and insights into potential future directions for this exciting research field are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Dong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Luofei Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Huiyan Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Hai Lei
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, P. R. China
- Institute of Advanced Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, P. R. China
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2
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Du WW, Zhou C, Yang H, Wen S, Chen Y, Chen EX, Yang XH, Li F, Du KY, Yuan H, Ye T, Qadir J, Yang BB. Aggravated Ulcerative Colitis via circNlgn-Mediated Suppression of Nuclear Actin Polymerization. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0441. [PMID: 39183944 PMCID: PMC11342054 DOI: 10.34133/research.0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Colitis is a chronic bowel disease characterized by damage to the lining of the large intestine, with its precise underlying causes remaining incompletely understood. In this study, we provide evidence that circular RNA circNlgn plays a pivotal role in promoting the development of colitis. Colitis patients produce significant higher levels of circNlgn. Transgenic mice expressing circNlgn exhibit heightened susceptibility to colitis development and progression, primarily attributed to the presence of the protein isoform Nlgn173 encoded by circNlgn. Nlgn173 undergoes translocation into cell nuclei, where it interacts with actin, impeding the binding of actin-related protein 2 and 3 (Arp2/3) complex to actin molecules. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in actin polymerization. Mechanistically, Nlgn173 enhances tyrosine-53 phosphorylation of nuclear actin, diminishing its capacity to interact with the Arp2/3 complex and causing a decrease in filamentous actin levels. These alterations in actin dynamics result in inhibited cell cycle progression, increased apoptosis, and decreased proliferation of colonic epithelial cells, thereby exacerbating colitis development and progression. In contrast, the silencing of circNlgn or the targeted inhibition of Nlgn173 translation and nuclear translocation leads to the promotion of nuclear actin polymerization, enhanced cell survival, and reduced apoptosis and ultimately improves the outcome of colitis in vivo. Interestingly, nuclear actin polymerization is highly related with expression of PIAS3, which modulates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and NF-κB activity in colitis. Strategies such as circNlgn knockdown and targeting nuclear actin polymerization of the colonic epithelium may explore a novel avenue for acute ulcerative colitis clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W. Du
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chi Zhou
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Colorectal Surgery,
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine,
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer,
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuoyang Wen
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yu Chen
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric X. Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xiuwei H. Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine,
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Feiya Li
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Y. Du
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hui Yuan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Ye
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Javeria Qadir
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Burton B. Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Carl AG, Reynolds MJ, Gurel PS, Phua DY, Sun X, Mei L, Hamilton K, Takagi Y, Noble AJ, Sellers JR, Alushin GM. Myosin forces elicit an F-actin structural landscape that mediates mechanosensitive protein recognition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.15.608188. [PMID: 39185238 PMCID: PMC11343212 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.15.608188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Cells mechanically interface with their surroundings through cytoskeleton-linked adhesions, allowing them to sense physical cues that instruct development and drive diseases such as cancer. Contractile forces generated by myosin motor proteins mediate these mechanical signal transduction processes through unclear protein structural mechanisms. Here, we show that myosin forces elicit structural changes in actin filaments (F-actin) that modulate binding by the mechanosensitive adhesion protein α-catenin. Using correlative cryo-fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, we identify F-actin featuring domains of nanoscale oscillating curvature at cytoskeleton-adhesion interfaces enriched in zyxin, a marker of actin-myosin generated traction forces. We next introduce a reconstitution system for visualizing F-actin in the presence of myosin forces with cryo-electron microscopy, which reveals morphologically similar superhelical F-actin spirals. In simulations, transient forces mimicking tugging and release of filaments by motors produce spirals, supporting a mechanistic link to myosin's ATPase mechanochemical cycle. Three-dimensional reconstruction of spirals uncovers extensive asymmetric remodeling of F-actin's helical lattice. This is recognized by α-catenin, which cooperatively binds along individual strands, preferentially engaging interfaces featuring extended inter-subunit distances while simultaneously suppressing rotational deviations to regularize the lattice. Collectively, we find that myosin forces can deform F-actin, generating a conformational landscape that is detected and reciprocally modulated by a mechanosensitive protein, providing a direct structural glimpse at active force transduction through the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayala G. Carl
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J. Reynolds
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pinar S. Gurel
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donovan Y.Z. Phua
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Sun
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lin Mei
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith Hamilton
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasuharu Takagi
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alex J. Noble
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - James R. Sellers
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gregory M. Alushin
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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Zhang Y, Du J, Liu X, Shang F, Deng Y, Ye J, Wang Y, Yan J, Chen H, Yu M, Le S. Multi-domain interaction mediated strength-building in human α-actinin dimers unveiled by direct single-molecule quantification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6151. [PMID: 39034324 PMCID: PMC11271494 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Actinins play crucial roles in cytoskeletal mechanobiology by acting as force-bearing structural modules that orchestrate and sustain the cytoskeletal framework, serving as pivotal hubs for diverse mechanosensing proteins. The mechanical stability of α-actinin dimer, a determinant of its functional state, remains largely unexplored. Here, we directly quantify the force-dependent lifetimes of homo- and hetero-dimers of human α-actinins, revealing an ultra-high mechanical stability of the dimers associated with > 100 seconds lifetime within 40 pN forces under shear-stretching geometry. Intriguingly, we uncover that the strong dimer stability is arisen from much weaker sub-domain pair interactions, suggesting the existence of distinct dimerized functional states of the dimer, spanning a spectrum of mechanical stability, with the spectrin repeats (SRs) in folded or unfolded conformation. In essence, our study supports a potent mechanism for building strength in biomolecular dimers through weak, multiple sub-domain interactions, and illuminates multifaceted roles of α-actinin dimers in cytoskeletal mechanics and mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Shang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yunxin Deng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Jiaqing Ye
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Fuzhou, 350207, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
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5
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Tong CS, Su M, Sun H, Chua XL, Xiong D, Guo S, Raj R, Ong NWP, Lee AG, Miao Y, Wu M. Collective dynamics of actin and microtubule and its crosstalk mediated by FHDC1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1261117. [PMID: 38567385 PMCID: PMC10985548 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1261117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The coordination between actin and microtubule network is crucial, yet this remains a challenging problem to dissect and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we used travelling waves in the cell cortex to characterize the collective dynamics of cytoskeletal networks. Our findings show that Cdc42 and F-BAR-dependent actin waves in mast cells are mainly driven by formin-mediated actin polymerization, with the microtubule-binding formin FH2 domain-containing protein 1 (FHDC1) as an early regulator. Knocking down FHDC1 inhibits actin wave formation, and this inhibition require FHDC1's interaction with both microtubule and actin. The phase of microtubule depolymerization coincides with the nucleation of actin waves and microtubule stabilization inhibit actin waves, leading us to propose that microtubule shrinking and the concurrent release of FHDC1 locally regulate actin nucleation. Lastly, we show that FHDC1 is crucial for multiple cellular processes such as cell division and migration. Our data provided molecular insights into the nucleation mechanisms of actin waves and uncover an antagonistic interplay between microtubule and actin polymerization in their collective dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee San Tong
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maohan Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - He Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiang Le Chua
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ding Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Guo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ravin Raj
- Special Programme in Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole Wen Pei Ong
- Special Programme in Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ann Gie Lee
- Special Programme in Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yansong Miao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Shi N, Wang J, Tang S, Zhang H, Wei Z, Li A, Ma Y, Xu F. Matrix Nonlinear Viscoelasticity Regulates Skeletal Myogenesis through MRTF Nuclear Localization and Nuclear Mechanotransduction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305218. [PMID: 37847903 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Mechanically sensitive tissues (e.g., skeletal muscles) greatly need mechanical stimuli during the development and maturation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) mediates these signals through nonlinear viscoelasticity of collagen networks that are predominant components of the ECM. However, the interactions between cells and ECM form a feedback loop, and it has not yet been possible to determine the degree to which, if any, of the features of matrix nonlinear viscoelasticity affect skeletal muscle development and regeneration. In this study, a nonlinear viscoelastic feature (i.e., strain-enhanced stress relaxation (SESR)) in normal skeletal muscles is observed, which however is almost absent in diseased muscles from Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice. It is recapitulated such SESR feature in vitro and separated the effects of mechanical strain and ECM viscoelasticity on myoblast response by developing a collagen-based hydrogel platform. Both strain and stress relaxation induce myogenic differentiation and myotube formation by C2C12 myoblasts, and myogenesis is more promoted by applying SESR. This promotion can be explained by the effects of SESR on actin polymerization-mediated myocardin related transcription factor (MRTF) nuclear localization and nuclear mechanotransduction. This study represents the first attempt to investigate the SESR phenomenon in skeletal muscles and reveal underlying mechanobiology, which will provide new opportunities for the tissue injury treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianyuan Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Shaoxin Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Yufei Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
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7
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Huang W, Fu C, Yan J. Single-Cell Quantification of the Mechanical Stability of Cell-Cell Adherens Junction Using Glass Micropipettes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2600:267-280. [PMID: 36587103 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2851-5_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micropipette-based methods have been widely used for the manipulation of cells and characterization of the mechanical properties at the cell or tissue level. Here, we introduce the glass micropipette-based mechanical assays for the stability of cell-cell adhesion. A probing microbead coated with specific adhesion ligands, captured by a glass micropipette, is manipulated to form the adhesion complexes with the corresponding receptors on a single cell. Once the cell is moving away from the micropipette, forces are generated from 20 pN to 100 nN to the adhesion complexes, which are quantified in real-time based on the bending of the glass micropipette. We specifically emphasize the principle and method to probe the rupturing forces of the adhesion complexes at controlled force loading rates, the ligand coating on the probe microbeads, the force calibration of the glass micropipette, and the applications of the method to probe the E-cadherin-based cell-cell adhesions. The principles can be broadly applied to other cell adhesions such as cell-matrix adhesions, neuronal synapses, and bacterial-cell adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmao Huang
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chaoyu Fu
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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8
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Beedle AEM, Garcia-Manyes S. The role of single protein elasticity in mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:10-24. [PMID: 37469679 PMCID: PMC7614781 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
In addition to biochemical signals and genetic considerations, mechanical forces are rapidly emerging as a master regulator of human physiology. Yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate force-induced functionalities across a wide range of scales, encompassing the cell, tissue or organ levels, are comparatively not so well understood. With the advent, development and refining of single molecule nanomechanical techniques, enabling to exquisitely probe the conformational dynamics of individual proteins under the effect of a calibrated force, we have begun to acquire a comprehensive knowledge on the rich plethora of physicochemical principles that regulate the elasticity of single proteins. Here we review the major advances underpinning our current understanding of how the elasticity of single proteins regulates mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. We discuss the present limitations and future challenges of such a prolific and burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy EM Beedle
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Barcelona Institute of Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, London, UK
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9
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Li Y, Zhuang X, Niu F. Quantitative Investigation of the Link between Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Cellular Behavior. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1885. [PMID: 36363906 PMCID: PMC9695820 DOI: 10.3390/mi13111885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Actin cytoskeleton reorganization, which is governed by actin-associated proteins, has a close relationship with the change of cell biological behavior. However, a perceived understanding of how actin mechanical property links to cell biological property remains unclear. This paper reports a label-free biomarker to indicate this interrelationship by using the actin cytoskeleton model and optical tweezers (OT) manipulation technology. Both biophysical and biochemical methods were employed, respectively, as stimuli for two case studies. By comparing the mechanical and biological experiment results of the leukemia cells under electrical field exposure and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) under adipogenesis differentiation, we concluded that β-actin can function as an indicator in characterizing the alteration of cellular biological behavior during the change of actin cytoskeleton mechanical property. This study demonstrated an effective way to probe a quantitative understanding of how actin cytoskeleton reorganization reflects the interrelation between cell mechanical property and cell biological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoru Zhuang
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fuzhou Niu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
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10
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Huang W, Le S, Sun Y, Lin DJ, Yao M, Shi Y, Yan J. Mechanical Stabilization of a Bacterial Adhesion Complex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:16808-16818. [PMID: 36070862 PMCID: PMC9501914 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c03961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The adhesions between Gram-positive bacteria and their
hosts are
exposed to varying magnitudes of tensile forces. Here, using an ultrastable
magnetic tweezer-based single-molecule approach, we show the catch-bond
kinetics of the prototypical adhesion complex of SD-repeat protein
G (SdrG) to a peptide from fibrinogen β (Fgβ) over a physiologically
important force range from piconewton (pN) to tens of pN, which was
not technologically accessible to previous studies. At 37 °C,
the lifetime of the complex exponentially increases from seconds at
several pN to ∼1000 s as the force reaches 30 pN, leading to
mechanical stabilization of the adhesion. The dissociation transition
pathway is determined as the unbinding of a critical β-strand
peptide (“latch” strand of SdrG that secures the entire
adhesion complex) away from its binding cleft, leading to the dissociation
of the Fgβ ligand. Similar mechanical stabilization behavior
is also observed in several homologous adhesions, suggesting the generality
of catch-bond kinetics in such bacterial adhesions. We reason that
such mechanical stabilization confers multiple advantages in the pathogenesis
and adaptation of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmao Huang
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuze Sun
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Dennis Jingxiong Lin
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Mingxi Yao
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411.,Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546
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11
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Sun X, Alushin GM. Cellular force-sensing through actin filaments. FEBS J 2022; 290:2576-2589. [PMID: 35778931 PMCID: PMC9945651 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Sun
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University. New York, NY, USA.,Correspondence: ;
| | - Gregory M. Alushin
- Laboratory of Structural Biophysics and Mechanobiology, The Rockefeller University. New York, NY, USA.,Correspondence: ;
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12
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How torque on formins is relaxed strongly affects cellular swirling. Biophys J 2022; 121:2952-2961. [PMID: 35773996 PMCID: PMC9388394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chirality is a common and essential characteristic at varied scales of living organisms. By adapting the rotational clutch-filament model we previously developed, we investigate the effect of torque relaxation of a formin on cellular chiral swirling. Since it is still unclear how the torque on a formin is exactly relaxed, we probe three types of torque relaxation, as suggested in the literature. Our analysis indicates that, when a formin periodically undergoes positive and negative rotation during processive capping to relax the torque, cells hardly rotate. When the switch between the positive and the negative rotation during the processive capping is randomly regulated by the torque, our analysis indicates that cells can only slightly rotate either counterclockwise or clockwise. When a formin relaxes the torque by transiently loosening its contact either with the membrane at its anchored site or with the actin filament, we find that cells can prominently rotate either counterclockwise or clockwise, in good consistency with the experiment. Thus, our studies indicate that how the torque on a formin is relaxed strongly affects cellular swirling and suggest an efficient type of torque relaxation in switching cellular swirling.
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13
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Zhou Y, Wu Y. Substrate Viscoelasticity Amplifies Distinctions between Transient and Persistent LPS-Induced Signals. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102271. [PMID: 34855279 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages settle in heterogeneous microenvironments rendered by other cells and extracellular matrices. It is well known that chemical stimuli direct macrophage behavior; however, the contributions of viscosity, which increases in inflammatory tissues but not in tumors, are ignored in immune responses including effective activation and timely attenuation. This paper demonstrates that transient lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages benefit from elastic substrates, whereas viscoelastic substrates with similar storage moduli support the inflammatory responses of macrophages under persistent stimulations and consequently amplify the distinctions between the transient and persistent LPS-induced transcriptional programs. Actin filaments (F-actin) fluctuate in line with transcriptional profiles and can be mathematically predicted by a clutch-like model. Moreover, viscosity modifies immune responses through transcription factors NF-κB and C/EBPδ, which act as switches discriminating transient and persistent infections. Interestingly, enhanced immune responses, consistent with the lower activated states, are attenuated promptly by the actin nucleation-related translocation of ATF3 to nuclei. These findings suggest that the substrate viscoelasticity induces more intense inflammation only in the case of persistent infection and promotes more sensitively perceiving the duration of infection through the F-actin correlated transcription factors. In addition, it may facilitate the cognition of immune response in inflammatory and cancerous microenvironments and have a wide range of applications in inflammatory regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Wei Zhou
- Department of Engineering Mechanics School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
- Soft Matter Research Center Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
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14
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Application of piconewton forces to individual filopodia reveals mechanosensory role of L-type Ca 2+ channels. Biomaterials 2022; 284:121477. [PMID: 35395455 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Filopodia are ubiquitous membrane projections that play crucial role in guiding cell migration on rigid substrates and through extracellular matrix by utilizing yet unknown mechanosensing molecular pathways. As recent studies show that Ca2+ channels localized to filopodia play an important role in regulation of their formation and since some Ca2+ channels are known to be mechanosensitive, force-dependent activity of filopodial Ca2+ channels might be linked to filopodia's mechanosensing function. We tested this hypothesis by monitoring changes in the intra-filopodial Ca2+ level in response to application of stretching force to individual filopodia of several cell types using optical tweezers. Results show that stretching forces of tens of pN strongly promote Ca2+ influx into filopodia, causing persistent Ca2+ oscillations that last for minutes even after the force is released. Several known mechanosensitive Ca2+ channels, such as Piezo 1, Piezo 2 and TRPV4, were found to be dispensable for the observed force-dependent Ca2+ influx, while L-type Ca2+ channels appear to be a key player in the discovered phenomenon. As previous studies have shown that intra-filopodial transient Ca2+ signals play an important role in guidance of cell migration, our results suggest that the force-dependent activation of L-type Ca2+ channels may contribute to this process. Overall, our study reveals an intricate interplay between mechanical forces and Ca2+ signaling in filopodia, providing novel mechanistic insights for the force-dependent filopodia functions in guidance of cell migration.
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15
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Sahoo S, Maiti I, Laha A, De R, Maiti S, De P. Cholate Conjugated Cationic Polymers for Regulation of Actin Dynamics. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:8033-8045. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01364a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal movement is a compulsory necessity for proper cell functioning and is largely controlled by actin filament dynamics. The actin dynamics can be finetuned by various natural and artificial materials...
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16
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Nishimura Y, Shi S, Li Q, Bershadsky AD, Viasnoff V. Crosstalk between myosin II and formin functions in the regulation of force generation and actomyosin dynamics in stress fibers. Cells Dev 2021; 168:203736. [PMID: 34455135 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
REF52 fibroblasts have a well-developed contractile machinery, the most prominent elements of which are actomyosin stress fibers with highly ordered organization of actin and myosin IIA filaments. The relationship between contractile activity and turnover dynamics of stress fibers is not sufficiently understood. Here, we simultaneously measured the forces exerted by stress fibers (using traction force microscopy or micropillar array sensors) and the dynamics of actin and myosin (using photoconversion-based monitoring of actin incorporation and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy of myosin II light chain). Our data revealed new features of the crosstalk between myosin II-driven contractility and stress fiber dynamics. During normal stress fiber turnover, actin incorporated all along the stress fibers and not only at focal adhesions. Incorporation of actin into stress fibers/focal adhesions, as well as actin and myosin II filaments flow along stress fibers, strongly depends on myosin II activity. Myosin II-dependent generation of traction forces does not depend on incorporation of actin into stress fibers per se, but still requires formin activity. This previously overlooked function of formins in maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton connectivity could be the main mechanism of formin involvement in traction force generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Nishimura
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Division of Developmental Physiology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
| | - Shidong Shi
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore
| | - Qingsen Li
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Alexander D Bershadsky
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, POB 26, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Virgile Viasnoff
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; CNRS UMI 3639, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National university of Singapore, S3 #05-01, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore.
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17
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Kadzik RS, Homa KE, Kovar DR. F-Actin Cytoskeleton Network Self-Organization Through Competition and Cooperation. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2021; 36:35-60. [PMID: 33021819 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-032320-094706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many fundamental cellular processes such as division, polarization, endocytosis, and motility require the assembly, maintenance, and disassembly of filamentous actin (F-actin) networks at specific locations and times within the cell. The particular function of each network is governed by F-actin organization, size, and density as well as by its dynamics. The distinct characteristics of different F-actin networks are determined through the coordinated actions of specific sets of actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Furthermore, a cell typically assembles and uses multiple F-actin networks simultaneously within a common cytoplasm, so these networks must self-organize from a common pool of shared globular actin (G-actin) monomers and overlapping sets of ABPs. Recent advances in multicolor imaging and analysis of ABPs and their associated F-actin networks in cells, as well as the development of sophisticated in vitro reconstitutions of networks with ensembles of ABPs, have allowed the field to start uncovering the underlying principles by which cells self-organize diverse F-actin networks to execute basic cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Kadzik
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; , .,Department of Molecular BioSciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA;
| | - Kaitlin E Homa
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; ,
| | - David R Kovar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; , .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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18
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Hao L, Liu Y, Yu X, Zhu Y, Zhu Y. Formin homology domains of Daam1 bind to Fascin and collaboratively promote pseudopodia formation and cell migration in breast cancer. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e12994. [PMID: 33458919 PMCID: PMC7941230 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer cell migration to secondary organs remains an essential cause of death among breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Cell motility mainly relies on actin dynamics. Our previous reports verified that dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) regulates invadopodia extension and BrCa cell motility. However, how Daam1 is involved in actin filament assembly and promotes pseudopodia formation in BrCa cells remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred human BrCa samples were collected at Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Daam1 and Fascin expression. Wound healing and Boyden chamber assays were used to explore cell migration and pseudopodia extension of BrCa cells. Co-IP/pull down and Western blotting were performed to study the physical interaction between Daam1 and Fascin. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to observe whether Daam1 and Fascin were colocalized and mediated actin filament assembly. RESULTS Fascin was upregulated in BrCa tissues compared with that in paracarcinoma tissues. The downregulation of Fascin caused a decline in pseudopodia formation and cell motility. Moreover, we found that Daam1 interacted with Fascin via formin homology (FH) domains, especially the FH2 domain. Immunofluorescence assays showed that Daam1 and Fascin partially colocalized to actin filaments, and the knockdown of Daam1 or Fascin failed to colocalize to short and curved actin filaments. CONCLUSIONS Daam1 specifically binds to Fascin via FH domains and cooperatively facilitates pseudopodia formation and cell migration by promoting actin filament assembly in BrCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiyu Hao
- Department of PhysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of PhysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinqian Yu
- Department of PhysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuerong Zhu
- Qinhuai DistrictNanjing Jinling HospitalNanjingChina
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of PhysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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19
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van Haastert PJM. Unified control of amoeboid pseudopod extension in multiple organisms by branched F-actin in the front and parallel F-actin/myosin in the cortex. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243442. [PMID: 33296414 PMCID: PMC7725310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The trajectory of moving eukaryotic cells depends on the kinetics and direction of extending pseudopods. The direction of pseudopods has been well studied to unravel mechanisms for chemotaxis, wound healing and inflammation. However, the kinetics of pseudopod extension-when and why do pseudopods start and stop- is equally important, but is largely unknown. Here the START and STOP of about 4000 pseudopods was determined in four different species, at four conditions and in nine mutants (fast amoeboids Dictyostelium and neutrophils, slow mesenchymal stem cells, and fungus B.d. chytrid with pseudopod and a flagellum). The START of a first pseudopod is a random event with a probability that is species-specific (23%/s for neutrophils). In all species and conditions, the START of a second pseudopod is strongly inhibited by the extending first pseudopod, which depends on parallel filamentous actin/myosin in the cell cortex. Pseudopods extend at a constant rate by polymerization of branched F-actin at the pseudopod tip, which requires the Scar complex. The STOP of pseudopod extension is induced by multiple inhibitory processes that evolve during pseudopod extension and mainly depend on the increasing size of the pseudopod. Surprisingly, no differences in pseudopod kinetics are detectable between polarized, unpolarized or chemotactic cells, and also not between different species except for small differences in numerical values. This suggests that the analysis has uncovered the fundament of cell movement with distinct roles for stimulatory branched F-actin in the protrusion and inhibitory parallel F-actin in the contractile cortex.
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20
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Yu M, Zhao Z, Chen Z, Le S, Yan J. Modulating mechanical stability of heterodimerization between engineered orthogonal helical domains. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4476. [PMID: 32900995 PMCID: PMC7479118 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18323-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanically stable specific heterodimerization between small protein domains have a wide scope of applications, from using as a molecular anchorage in single-molecule force spectroscopy studies of protein mechanics, to serving as force-bearing protein linker for modulation of mechanotransduction of cells, and potentially acting as a molecular crosslinker for functional materials. Here, we explore the possibility to develop heterodimerization system with a range of mechanical stability from a set of recently engineered helix-heterotetramers whose mechanical properties have yet to be characterized. We demonstrate this possibility using two randomly chosen helix-heterotetramers, showing that their mechanical properties can be modulated by changing the stretching geometry and the number of interacting helices. These helix-heterotetramers and their derivatives are sufficiently stable over physiological temperature range. Using it as mechanically stable anchorage, we demonstrate the applications in single-molecule manipulation studies of the temperature dependent unfolding and refolding of a titin immunoglobulin domain and α-actinin spectrin repeats. Mechanically stable specific heterodimerization formed with reversible bonds are used as a molecular anchorage in single-molecule force spectroscopy studies with unique mechanical properties. Here authors develop a variety of heterodimerization molecular systems with a range of mechanical stability from a set of recently engineered helix-heterotetramers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Zhihai Zhao
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Zibo Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore.
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore. .,Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore.
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21
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Le S, Yu M, Bershadsky A, Yan J. Mechanical regulation of formin-dependent actin polymerization. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 102:73-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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22
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Suzuki E, Chikireddy J, Dmitrieff S, Guichard B, Romet-Lemonne G, Jégou A. Geometrical Constraints Greatly Hinder Formin mDia1 Activity. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:22-32. [PMID: 31797667 PMCID: PMC7086397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b02241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Formins are one of the central players in the assembly of most actin networks in cells. The sensitivity of these processive molecular machines to mechanical tension is now well established. However, how the activity of formins is affected by geometrical constraints related to network architecture, such as filament cross-linking and formin spatial confinement, remains largely unknown. Combining microfluidics and micropatterning, we reconstituted in vitro mDia1 formin-elongated filament bundles induced by fascin, with different geometrical constraints on the formins, and measured the impact of these constraints on formin elongation rate and processivity. When filaments are not bundled, the anchoring details of formins have only a mild impact on their processivity and do not affect their elongation rate. When formins are unanchored, we show that filament bundling by fascin reduces both their elongation rate and their processivity. Strikingly, when filaments elongated by surface-anchored formins are cross-linked together, formin elongation rate immediately decreases and processivity is reduced up to 24-fold depending on the cumulative impact of formin rotational and translational freedom. Our results reveal an unexpected crosstalk between the constraints at the filament and the formin levels. We anticipate that in cells the molecular details of formin anchoring to the plasma membrane strongly modulate formin activity at actin filament barbed ends.
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23
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The many implications of actin filament helicity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 102:65-72. [PMID: 31862222 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the best known features of actin filaments is their helical structure. A number of essential properties emerge from this molecular arrangement of actin subunits. Here, we give an overview of the mechanical and biochemical implications of filament helicity, at different scales. In particular, a number of recent studies have highlighted the role of filament helicity in the adaptation to and the generation of mechanical torsion, and in the modulation of the filament's interaction with very different actin-binding proteins (such as myosins, cross-linkers, formins, and cofilin). Helicity can thus be seen as a key factor for the regulation of actin assembly, and as a link between biochemical regulators and their mechanical context. In addition, actin filament helicity appears to play an essential role in the establishment of chirality at larger scales, up to the organismal scale. Altogether, helicity appears to be an essential feature contributing to the regulation of actin assembly dynamics, and to actin's ability to organize cells at a larger scale.
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24
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Le S, Yu M, Yan J. Phosphorylation Reduces the Mechanical Stability of the α‐Catenin/ β‐Catenin Complex. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201911383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Le
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of Singapore Singapore 117411 Singapore
- Department of PhysicsNational University of Singapore Singapore 117542 Singapore
| | - Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of Singapore Singapore 117411 Singapore
- Department of PhysicsNational University of Singapore Singapore 117542 Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology InstituteNational University of Singapore Singapore 117411 Singapore
- Department of PhysicsNational University of Singapore Singapore 117542 Singapore
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25
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Le S, Yu M, Yan J. Direct single-molecule quantification reveals unexpectedly high mechanical stability of vinculin-talin/α-catenin linkages. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav2720. [PMID: 31897422 PMCID: PMC6920023 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav2720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The vinculin-mediated mechanosensing requires establishment of stable mechanical linkages between vinculin to integrin at focal adhesions and to cadherins at adherens junctions through associations with the respective adaptor proteins talin and α-catenin. However, the mechanical stability of these critical vinculin linkages has yet to be determined. Here, we developed a single-molecule detector assay to provide direct quantification of the mechanical lifetime of vinculin association with the vinculin binding sites in both talin and α-catenin, which reveals a surprisingly high mechanical stability of the vinculin-talin and vinculin-α-catenin interfaces that have a lifetime of >1000 s at forces up to 10 pN and can last for seconds to tens of seconds at 15 to 25 pN. Our results suggest that these force-bearing intermolecular interfaces provide sufficient mechanical stability to support the vinculin-mediated mechanotransduction at cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Le
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
- Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
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26
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Abstract
Actin polymerization is essential for cells to migrate, as well as for various cell biological processes such as cytokinesis and vesicle traffic. This brief review describes the mechanisms underlying its different roles and recent advances in our understanding. Actin usually requires "nuclei"-preformed actin filaments-to start polymerizing, but, once initiated, polymerization continues constitutively. The field therefore has a strong focus on nucleators, in particular the Arp2/3 complex and formins. These have different functions, are controlled by contrasting mechanisms, and generate alternate geometries of actin networks. The Arp2/3 complex functions only when activated by nucleation-promoting factors such as WASP, Scar/WAVE, WASH, and WHAMM and when binding to a pre-existing filament. Formins can be individually active but are usually autoinhibited. Each is controlled by different mechanisms and is involved in different biological roles. We also describe the processes leading to actin disassembly and their regulation and conclude with four questions whose answers are important for understanding actin dynamics but are currently unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Buracco
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Sophie Claydon
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Robert Insall
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden, G61 1BD, UK
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27
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Wioland H, Suzuki E, Cao L, Romet-Lemonne G, Jegou A. The advantages of microfluidics to study actin biochemistry and biomechanics. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2019; 41:175-188. [PMID: 31749040 PMCID: PMC7109186 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-019-09564-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The regulated assembly of actin filaments is essential in nearly all cell types. Studying actin assembly dynamics can pose many technical challenges. A number of these challenges can be overcome by using microfluidics to observe and manipulate single actin filaments under an optical microscope. In particular, microfluidics can be tremendously useful for applying different mechanical stresses to actin filaments and determining how the physical context of the filaments affects their regulation by biochemical factors. In this review, we summarize the main features of microfluidics for the study of actin assembly dynamics, and we highlight some recent developments that have emerged from the combination of microfluidics and other techniques. We use two case studies to illustrate our points: the rapid assembly of actin filaments by formins and the disassembly of filaments by actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin. Both of these protein families play important roles in cells. They regulate actin assembly through complex molecular mechanisms that are sensitive to the filaments’ mechanical context, with multiple activities that need to be quantified separately. Microfluidics-based experiments have been extremely useful for gaining insight into the regulatory actions of these two protein families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Wioland
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Emiko Suzuki
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Luyan Cao
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Antoine Jegou
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75013, Paris, France.
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28
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Le S, Yu M, Yan J. Phosphorylation Reduces the Mechanical Stability of the α-Catenin/ β-Catenin Complex. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:18663-18669. [PMID: 31625226 PMCID: PMC6916283 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201911383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The α‐catenin/β‐catenin complex serves as a critical molecular interface involved in cadherin–catenin‐based mechanosensing at the cell–cell adherence junction that plays a critical role in tissue integrity, repair, and embryonic development. This complex is subject to tensile forces due to internal actomyosin contractility and external mechanical micro‐environmental perturbation. However, the mechanical stability of this complex has yet to be quantified. Here, we directly quantified the mechanical stability of the α‐catenin/β‐catenin complex and showed that it has enough mechanical stability to survive for tens to hundreds of seconds within physiological level of forces up to 10 pN. Phosphorylation or phosphotyrosine‐mimetic mutations (Y142E or/and T120E) on β‐catenin shorten the mechanical lifetime of the complex by tens of fold over the same force range. These results provide insights into the regulation of the α‐catenin/β‐catenin complex by phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Le
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
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29
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Wang Y, Barnett SFH, Le S, Guo Z, Zhong X, Kanchanawong P, Yan J. Label-free Single-Molecule Quantification of Rapamycin-induced FKBP-FRB Dimerization for Direct Control of Cellular Mechanotransduction. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:7514-7525. [PMID: 31466449 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Chemically induced dimerization (CID) has been applied to study numerous biological processes and has important pharmacological applications. However, the complex multistep interactions under various physical constraints involved in CID impose a great challenge for the quantification of the interactions. Furthermore, the mechanical stability of the ternary complexes has not been characterized; hence, their potential application in mechanotransduction studies remains unclear. Here, we report a single-molecule detector that can accurately quantify almost all key interactions involved in CID and the mechanical stability of the ternary complex, in a label-free manner. Its application is demonstrated using rapamycin-induced heterodimerization of FRB and FKBP as an example. We revealed the sufficient mechanical stability of the FKBP/rapamycin/FRB ternary complex and demonstrated its utility in the precise switching of talin-mediated force transmission in integrin-based cell adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Wang
- Department of Physics , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117546
| | - Samuel F H Barnett
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117411
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117546
| | - Zhenhuan Guo
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117411
| | - Xueying Zhong
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117411
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117411
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117583
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117546
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117411
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30
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Yuan G, Liu H, Ma Q, Li X, Nie J, Zuo J, Zheng P. Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy Reveals that Iron-Ligand Bonds Modulate Proteins in Different Modes. J Phys Chem Lett 2019; 10:5428-5433. [PMID: 31433648 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b01573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The iron-amino acid interactions Fe-O(Glu/Asp), Fe-N(His), and Fe-S(Cys) are the three major iron-ligand bonds in proteins. To compare their properties in proteins, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single-molecule force spectroscopy to investigate a superoxide reductase (Fe(III)-SOR) with all three types of bonds forming an Fe(His)4CysGlu center. We first found that Apo-SOR without bound iron showed multiple unfolding pathways only from the β-barrel core. Then, using Holo-SOR with a ferric ion, we found that a single Fe-O(Glu) bond can tightly connect the flexible N-terminal fragment to the β-barrel and stabilize the whole protein, showing a complete protein unfolding scenario, while the single Fe-N(His) bond was weak and unable to provide such a stabilization. Moreover, when multiple Fe-N bonds are present, a similar stabilization effect can be achieved. Our results showed that the iron-ligand bond modulates protein structure and stability in different modes at the single-bond level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Huaxing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210023 , People's Republic of China
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31
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Yu M, Le S, Ammon YC, Goult BT, Akhmanova A, Yan J. Force-Dependent Regulation of Talin-KANK1 Complex at Focal Adhesions. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:5982-5990. [PMID: 31389241 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b01732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
KANK proteins mediate cross-talk between dynamic microtubules and integrin-based adhesions to the extracellular matrix. KANKs interact with the integrin/actin-binding protein talin and with several components of microtubule-stabilizing cortical complexes. Because of actomyosin contractility, the talin-KANK complex is likely under mechanical force, and its mechanical stability is expected to be a critical determinant of KANK recruitment to focal adhesions. Here, we quantified the lifetime of the complex of the talin rod domain R7 and the KN domain of KANK1 under shear-force geometry and found that it can withstand forces for seconds to minutes over a physiological force range up to 10 pN. Complex stability measurements combined with cell biological experiments suggest that shear-force stretching promotes KANK1 localization to the periphery of focal adhesions. These results indicate that the talin-KANK1 complex is mechanically strong, enabling it to support the cross-talk between microtubule and actin cytoskeleton at focal adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Shimin Le
- Department of Physics , National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - York-Christoph Ammon
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences , University of Kent , Canterbury , United Kingdom
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore
- Department of Physics , National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Bioimaging Sciences , National University of Singapore, Singapore
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32
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Lohner J, Rupprecht JF, Hu J, Mandriota N, Saxena M, de Araujo DP, Hone J, Sahin O, Prost J, Sheetz MP. Large and reversible myosin-dependent forces in rigidity sensing. NATURE PHYSICS 2019; 15:689-695. [PMID: 33790983 PMCID: PMC8008990 DOI: 10.1038/s41567-019-0477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense the rigidity of their environment through localized pinching, which occurs when myosin molecular motors generate contractions within actin filaments anchoring the cell to its surroundings. We present high-resolution experiments performed on these elementary contractile units in cells. Our experimental results challenge the current understanding of molecular motor force generation. Surprisingly, bipolar myosin filaments generate much larger forces per motor than measured in single molecule experiments. Further, contraction to a fixed distance, followed by relaxation at the same rate, is observed over a wide range of matrix rigidities. Lastly, step-wise displacements of the matrix contacts are apparent during both contraction and relaxation. Building upon a generic two-state model of molecular motor collections, we interpret these unexpected observations as spontaneously emerging features of a collective motor behavior. Our approach explains why, in the cellular context, collections of resilient and slow motors contract in a stepwise fashion while collections of weak and fast motors do not. We thus rationalize the specificity of motor contractions implied in rigidity sensing compared to previous in vitro observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lohner
- first authors
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Jean-Francois Rupprecht
- first authors
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411 Singapore
| | - Junquiang Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Nicola Mandriota
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Mayur Saxena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Diego Pitta de Araujo
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411 Singapore
| | - James Hone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Jacques Prost
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411 Singapore
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Michael P Sheetz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411 Singapore
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33
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Zimmermann D, Kovar DR. Feeling the force: formin's role in mechanotransduction. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 56:130-140. [PMID: 30639952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental cellular processes such as division, polarization, and motility require the tightly regulated spatial and temporal assembly and disassembly of the underlying actin cytoskeleton. The actin cytoskeleton has been long viewed as a central player facilitating diverse mechanotransduction pathways due to the notion that it is capable of receiving, processing, transmitting, and generating mechanical stresses. Recent work has begun to uncover the roles of mechanical stresses in modulating the activity of key regulatory actin-binding proteins and their interactions with actin filaments, thereby controlling the assembly (formin and Arp2/3 complex) and disassembly (ADF/Cofilin) of actin filament networks. In this review, we will focus on discussing the current molecular understanding of how members of the formin protein family sense and respond to forces and the potential implications for formin-mediated mechanotransduction in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Zimmermann
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, 77 Massachusetts Ave, 76-361F, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, United States.
| | - David R Kovar
- The University of Chicago, Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, 90 E. 58th Street, CSLC 212, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
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34
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Courtemanche N. Mechanisms of formin-mediated actin assembly and dynamics. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:1553-1569. [PMID: 30392063 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0468-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular viability requires tight regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Distinct families of nucleation-promoting factors enable the rapid assembly of filament nuclei that elongate and are incorporated into diverse and specialized actin-based structures. In addition to promoting filament nucleation, the formin family of proteins directs the elongation of unbranched actin filaments. Processive association of formins with growing filament ends is achieved through continuous barbed end binding of the highly conserved, dimeric formin homology (FH) 2 domain. In cooperation with the FH1 domain and C-terminal tail region, FH2 dimers mediate actin subunit addition at speeds that can dramatically exceed the rate of spontaneous assembly. Here, I review recent biophysical, structural, and computational studies that have provided insight into the mechanisms of formin-mediated actin assembly and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Courtemanche
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota, 420 Washington Ave SE, 6-130 MCB, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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