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Mukadum F, Ccoa WJP, Hocky GM. Molecular simulation approaches to probing the effects of mechanical forces in the actin cytoskeleton. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:318-327. [PMID: 38334204 PMCID: PMC11310368 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
In this article we give our perspective on the successes and promise of various molecular and coarse-grained simulation approaches to probing the effect of mechanical forces in the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah Mukadum
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | | | - Glen M. Hocky
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Simons Center for Computational Physical Chemistry, New York, NY 10003, USA
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2
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Morales-Camilo N, Liu J, Ramírez MJ, Canales-Salgado P, Alegría JJ, Liu X, Ong HT, Barrera NP, Fierro A, Toyama Y, Goult BT, Wang Y, Meng Y, Nishimura R, Fong-Ngern K, Low CSL, Kanchanawong P, Yan J, Ravasio A, Bertocchi C. Alternative molecular mechanisms for force transmission at adherens junctions via β-catenin-vinculin interaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5608. [PMID: 38969637 PMCID: PMC11226457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Force transmission through adherens junctions (AJs) is crucial for multicellular organization, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Recent studies shed light on the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction at the AJs. However, the canonical model fails to explain force transmission when essential proteins of the mechanotransduction module are mutated or missing. Here, we demonstrate that, in absence of α-catenin, β-catenin can directly and functionally interact with vinculin in its open conformation, bearing physiological forces. Furthermore, we found that β-catenin can prevent vinculin autoinhibition in the presence of α-catenin by occupying vinculin´s head-tail interaction site, thus preserving force transmission capability. Taken together, our findings suggest a multi-step force transmission process at AJs, where α-catenin and β-catenin can alternatively and cooperatively interact with vinculin. This can explain the graded responses needed to maintain tissue mechanical homeostasis and, importantly, unveils a force-bearing mechanism involving β-catenin and extended vinculin that can potentially explain the underlying process enabling collective invasion of metastatic cells lacking α-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Morales-Camilo
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jingzhun Liu
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manuel J Ramírez
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Canales-Salgado
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan José Alegría
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Foundational Research on Data (IMFD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Xuyao Liu
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Ting Ong
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nelson P Barrera
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angélica Fierro
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yusuke Toyama
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Yilin Wang
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yue Meng
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryosuke Nishimura
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kedsarin Fong-Ngern
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christine Siok Lan Low
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Ravasio
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cristina Bertocchi
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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van Galen M, Bok A, Peshkovsky T, van der Gucht J, Albada B, Sprakel J. De novo DNA-based catch bonds. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-024-01571-4. [PMID: 38914727 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
All primary chemical interactions weaken under mechanical stress, which imposes fundamental mechanical limits on the materials constructed from them. Biological materials combine plasticity with strength, for which nature has evolved a unique solution-catch bonds, supramolecular interactions that strengthen under tension. Biological catch bonds use force-gated conformational switches to convert weak bonds into strong ones. So far, catch bonds remain exclusive to nature, leaving their potential as mechanoadaptive elements in synthetic systems untapped. Here we report the design and realization of artificial catch bonds. Starting from a minimal set of thermodynamic design requirements, we created a molecular motif capable of catch bonding. It consists of a DNA duplex featuring a cryptic domain that unfolds under tension to strengthen the interaction. We show that these catch bonds recreate force-enhanced rolling adhesion, a hallmark feature of biological catch bonds in bacteria and leukocytes. This Article introduces catch bonds into the synthetic domain, and could lead to the creation of artificial catch-bonded materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn van Galen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Bok
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Taieesa Peshkovsky
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jasper van der Gucht
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bauke Albada
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.
| | - Joris Sprakel
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.
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Jin X, Rosenbohm J, Moghaddam AO, Kim E, Seiffert-Sinha K, Leiker M, Zhai H, Baddam SR, Minnick G, Huo Y, Safa BT, Wahl JK, Meng F, Huang C, Lim JY, Conway DE, Sinha AA, Yang R. Desmosomal Cadherin Tension Loss in Pemphigus Vulgaris Mediated by the Inhibition of Active RhoA at Cell-Cell Adhesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592394. [PMID: 38766211 PMCID: PMC11100601 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Binding of autoantibodies to keratinocyte surface antigens, primarily desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) of the desmosomal complex, leads to the dissociation of cell-cell adhesion in the blistering disorder pemphigus vulgaris (PV). After the initial disassembly of desmosomes, cell-cell adhesions actively remodel in association with the cytoskeleton and focal adhesions. Growing evidence highlights the role of adhesion mechanics and mechanotransduction at cell-cell adhesions in this remodeling process, as their active participation may direct autoimmune pathogenicity. However, a large part of the biophysical transformations after antibody binding remains underexplored. Specifically, it is unclear how tension in desmosomes and cell-cell adhesions changes in response to antibodies, and how the altered tensional states translate to cellular responses. Here, we showed a tension loss at Dsg3 using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensors, a tension loss at the entire cell-cell adhesion, and a potentially compensatory increase in junctional traction force at cell-extracellular matrix adhesions after PV antibody binding. Further, our data indicate that this tension loss is mediated by the inhibition of RhoA at cell-cell contacts, and the extent of RhoA inhibition may be crucial in determining the severity of pathogenicity among different PV antibodies. More importantly, this tension loss can be partially restored by altering actomyosin based cell contractility. Collectively, these findings provide previously unattainable details in our understanding of the mechanisms that govern cell-cell interactions under physiological and autoimmune conditions, which may open the window to entirely new therapeutics aimed at restoring physiological balance to tension dynamics that regulates the maintenance of cell-cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Jin
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Jordan Rosenbohm
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Amir Ostadi Moghaddam
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Eunju Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | | | - Merced Leiker
- Department of Dermatology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203
| | - Haiwei Zhai
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Sindora R. Baddam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284
| | - Grayson Minnick
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Yucheng Huo
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - James K. Wahl
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Fanben Meng
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jung Yul Lim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Daniel E. Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Animesh A. Sinha
- Department of Dermatology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Troyanovsky RB, Indra I, Troyanovsky SM. Characterization of early and late events of adherens junction assembly. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583373. [PMID: 38496678 PMCID: PMC10942379 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cadherins are transmembrane adhesion receptors. Cadherin ectodomains form adhesive 2D clusters through cooperative trans and cis interactions, whereas its intracellular region interacts with specific cytosolic proteins, termed catenins, to anchor the cadherin-catenin complex (CCC) to the actin cytoskeleton. How these two types of interactions are coordinated in the formation of specialized cell-cell adhesions, adherens junctions (AJ), remains unclear. We focus here on the role of the actin-binding domain of α-catenin (αABD) by showing that the interaction of αABD with actin generates actin-bound CCC oligomers (CCC/actin strands) incorporating up to six CCCs. The strands are primarily formed on the actin-rich cell protrusions. Once in cell-cell interface, the strands become involved in cadherin ectodomain clustering. Such combination of the extracellular and intracellular oligomerizations gives rise to the composite oligomers, trans CCC/actin clusters. To mature, these clusters then rearrange their actin filaments using several redundant pathways, two of which are characterized here: one depends on the α-catenin-associated protein, vinculin and the second one depends on the unstructured C-terminus of αABD. Thus, AJ assembly proceeds through spontaneous formation of trans CCC/actin clusters and their successive reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina B Troyanovsky
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Indrajyoti Indra
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Sergey M Troyanovsky
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614
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Mezher M, Dumbali S, Fenn I, Lamb C, Miller C, Sharmin S, Cabe JI, Bejar-Padilla V, Conway D, Maruthamuthu V. Vinculin is essential for sustaining normal levels of endogenous forces at cell-cell contacts. Biophys J 2023; 122:4518-4527. [PMID: 38350000 PMCID: PMC10719050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Transmission of cell-generated (i.e., endogenous) tension at cell-cell contacts is crucial for tissue shape changes during morphogenesis and adult tissue repair in tissues such as epithelia. E-cadherin-based adhesions at cell-cell contacts are the primary means by which endogenous tension is transmitted between cells. The E-cadherin-β-catenin-α-catenin complex mechanically couples to the actin cytoskeleton (and thereby the cell's contractile machinery) both directly and indirectly. However, the key adhesion constituents required for substantial endogenous force transmission at these adhesions in cell-cell contacts are unclear. Due to the role of α-catenin as a mechanotransducer that recruits vinculin at cell-cell contacts, we expected α-catenin to be essential for sustaining normal levels of force transmission. Instead, using the traction force imbalance method to determine the inter-cellular force at a single cell-cell contact between cell pairs, we found that it is vinculin that is essential for sustaining normal levels of endogenous force transmission, with absence of vinculin decreasing the inter-cellular tension by over 50%. Our results constrain the potential mechanical pathways of force transmission at cell-cell contacts and suggest that vinculin can transmit forces at E-cadherin adhesions independent of α-catenin, possibly through β-catenin. Furthermore, we tested the ability of lateral cell-cell contacts to withstand external stretch and found that both vinculin and α-catenin are essential to maintain cell-cell contact stability under external forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Mezher
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Sandeep Dumbali
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Ian Fenn
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Carter Lamb
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Conrad Miller
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Saika Sharmin
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Jolene I Cabe
- Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Vidal Bejar-Padilla
- Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Daniel Conway
- Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
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Hu YD, Wu K, Liu YJ, Zhang Q, Shen H, Ji J, Fang D, Xi SY. LY6/PLAUR domain containing 3 (LYPD3) maintains melanoma cell stemness and mediates an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Biol Direct 2023; 18:72. [PMID: 37924160 PMCID: PMC10623712 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00424-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma is a highly heterogeneous skin cancer with the highest mortality rate among dermatological cancers. Catenins form functional networks in the nucleus to regulate gene expression and determine cell fate. Dysregulation of catenin expression correlates with the malignant characteristics of the tumor. We aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of catenins in melanoma and to further define the function of catenin-related molecular signaling in the tumor microenvironment. METHODS In this study, a bioinformatics approach combined with experimental validation was used to explore the potential tumor biology mechanisms of catenin-related signaling. RESULTS Melanoma patients can be divided into two catenin clusters. Patients defined by high Junction Plakoglobin (JUP), Plakophilin 1 (PKP1), Plakophilin 3 (PKP3) levels (C2) had shorter survival time than other patients (C1). We demonstrated that JUP regulates Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2)/LY6/PLAUR Domain Containing 3 (LYPD3) to maintain melanoma stemness and promotes glycolysis. We also found that LYPD3 was co-expressed with S100A9 and associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). CONCLUSION The JUP/AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis plays an important role in the malignant features of melanoma. Targeting the JUP/AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis can help develop promising drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Dou Hu
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Ji
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Fang
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Song-Yang Xi
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, People's Republic of China.
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Vachharajani VT, DeJong MP, Dunn AR. PDZ Domains from the Junctional Proteins Afadin and ZO-1 Act as Mechanosensors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.24.559210. [PMID: 37961673 PMCID: PMC10634676 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.24.559210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion complexes must withstand mechanical forces to maintain tissue cohesion, while also retaining the capacity for dynamic remodeling during tissue morphogenesis and repair. Most cell-cell adhesion complexes contain at least one PSD95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain situated between the adhesion molecule and the actin cytoskeleton. However, PDZ-mediated interactions are characteristically nonspecific, weak, and transient, with several binding partners per PDZ domain, micromolar dissociation constants, and bond lifetimes of seconds or less. Here, we demonstrate that the bonds between the PDZ domain of the cytoskeletal adaptor protein afadin and the intracellular domains of the adhesion molecules nectin-1 and JAM-A form molecular catch bonds that reinforce in response to mechanical load. In contrast, the bond between the PDZ3-SH3-GUK (PSG) domain of the cytoskeletal adaptor ZO-1 and the JAM-A intracellular domain becomes dramatically weaker in response to ∼2 pN of load, the amount generated by single molecules of the cytoskeletal motor protein myosin II. These results suggest that PDZ domains can serve as force-responsive mechanical anchors at cell-cell adhesion complexes, and that mechanical load can enhance the selectivity of PDZ-peptide interactions. These results suggest that PDZ mechanosensitivity may help to generate the intricate molecular organization of cell-cell junctions and allow junctional complexes to dynamically remodel in response to mechanical load.
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9
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Gou J, Zhang T, Othmer HG. The Interaction of Mechanics and the Hippo Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4840. [PMID: 37835534 PMCID: PMC10571775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as an ideal system for studying the networks that control tissue development and homeostasis and, given the similarity of the pathways involved, controlled and uncontrolled growth in mammalian systems. The signaling pathways used in patterning the Drosophila wing disc are well known and result in the emergence of interaction of these pathways with the Hippo signaling pathway, which plays a central role in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis. Mechanical effects are another major factor in the control of growth, but far less is known about how they exert their control. Herein, we develop a mathematical model that integrates the mechanical interactions between cells, which occur via adherens and tight junctions, with the intracellular actin network and the Hippo pathway so as to better understand cell-autonomous and non-autonomous control of growth in response to mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Gou
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA;
| | - Tianhao Zhang
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Hans G. Othmer
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
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10
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Bai Y, Zhao F, Wu T, Chen F, Pang X. Actin polymerization and depolymerization in developing vertebrates. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1213668. [PMID: 37745245 PMCID: PMC10515290 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is a complex process that occurs throughout the life cycle. F-actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton, is essential for the morphogenesis of tissues and organs during development. F-actin is formed by the polymerization of G-actin, and the dynamic balance of polymerization and depolymerization ensures proper cellular function. Disruption of this balance results in various abnormalities and defects or even embryonic lethality. Here, we reviewed recent findings on the structure of G-actin and F-actin and the polymerization of G-actin to F-actin. We also focused on the functions of actin isoforms and the underlying mechanisms of actin polymerization/depolymerization in cellular and organic morphogenesis during development. This information will extend our understanding of the role of actin polymerization in the physiologic or pathologic processes during development and may open new avenues for developing therapeutics for embryonic developmental abnormalities or tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangchun Chen
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
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11
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Nagendra K, Izzet A, Judd NB, Zakine R, Friedman L, Harrison OJ, Pontani LL, Shapiro L, Honig B, Brujic J. Push-pull mechanics of E-cadherin ectodomains in biomimetic adhesions. Biophys J 2023; 122:3506-3515. [PMID: 37528581 PMCID: PMC10502478 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin plays a central role in cell-cell adhesion. The ectodomains of wild-type cadherins form a crystalline-like two-dimensional lattice in cell-cell interfaces mediated by both trans (apposed cell) and cis (same cell) interactions. In addition to these extracellular forces, adhesive strength is further regulated by cytosolic phenomena involving α and β catenin-mediated interactions between cadherin and the actin cytoskeleton. Cell-cell adhesion can be further strengthened under tension through mechanisms that have not been definitively characterized in molecular detail. Here we quantitatively determine the role of the cadherin ectodomain in mechanosensing. To this end, we devise an E-cadherin-coated emulsion system, in which droplet surface tension is balanced by protein binding strength to give rise to stable areas of adhesion. To reach the honeycomb/cohesive limit, an initial emulsion compression by centrifugation facilitates E-cadherin trans binding, whereas a high protein surface concentration enables the cis-enhanced stabilization of the interface. We observe an abrupt concentration dependence on recruitment into adhesions of constant crystalline density, reminiscent of a first-order phase transition. Removing the lateral cis interaction with a "cis mutant" shifts this transition to higher surface densities leading to denser, yet weaker adhesions. In both proteins, the stabilization of progressively larger areas of deformation is consistent with single-molecule experiments that show a force-dependent lifetime enhancement in the cadherin ectodomain, which may be attributed to the "X-dimer" bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartikeya Nagendra
- Center for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York; Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry Training Program, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Adrien Izzet
- Center for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Nicolas B Judd
- Center for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Ruben Zakine
- Center for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Leah Friedman
- Center for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York; Département de Physique, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Oliver J Harrison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Léa-Laetitia Pontani
- Laboratoire Jean Perrin, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York; Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Barry Honig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York; Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jasna Brujic
- Center for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York; Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique de Milieux Hétérogènes, UMR 7636, CNRS, ESPCI Paris-PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
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12
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Messer CL, McDonald JA. Rap1 promotes epithelial integrity and cell viability in a growing tissue. Dev Biol 2023; 501:1-19. [PMID: 37269969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.05.006] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Having intact epithelial tissues is critical for embryonic development and adult homeostasis. How epithelia respond to damaging insults or tissue growth while still maintaining intercellular connections and barrier integrity during development is poorly understood. The conserved small GTPase Rap1 is critical for establishing cell polarity and regulating cadherin-catenin cell junctions. Here, we identified a new role for Rap1 in maintaining epithelial integrity and tissue shape during Drosophila oogenesis. Loss of Rap1 activity disrupted the follicle cell epithelium and the shape of egg chambers during a period of major growth. Rap1 was required for proper E-Cadherin localization in the anterior epithelium and for epithelial cell survival. Both Myo-II and the adherens junction-cytoskeletal linker protein α-Catenin were required for normal egg chamber shape but did not strongly affect cell viability. Blocking the apoptotic cascade failed to rescue the cell shape defects caused by Rap1 inhibition. One consequence of increased cell death caused by Rap1 inhibition was the loss of polar cells and other follicle cells, which later in development led to fewer cells forming a migrating border cell cluster. Our results thus indicate dual roles for Rap1 in maintaining epithelia and cell survival in a growing tissue during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luke Messer
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jocelyn A McDonald
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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13
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Wang Y, Yemelyanov A, Go CD, Kim S, Quinn JM, Flozak AS, Le PM, Liang S, Claude-Gingras A, Ikura M, Ishiyama N, Gottardi CJ. α-catenin mechanosensitivity as a route to cytokinesis failure through sequestration of LZTS2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.25.554884. [PMID: 37662204 PMCID: PMC10473746 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.25.554884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells can become polyploid upon tissue injury, but mechanosensitive cues that trigger this state are poorly understood. Using α-catenin (α-cat) knock-out Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells reconstituted with wild-type and mutant forms of α-cat as a model system, we find that an established α-cat actin-binding domain unfolding mutant designed to reduce force-sensitive binding to F-actin (α-cat-H0-FABD+) can promote cytokinesis failure, particularly along epithelial wound-fronts. Enhanced α-cat coupling to cortical actin is neither sufficient nor mitotic cell-autonomous for cytokinesis failure, but critically requires the mechanosensitive Middle-domain (M1-M2-M3) and neighboring cells. Disease relevant α-cat M-domain missense mutations known to cause a form of retinal pattern dystrophy (α-cat E307K or L436P) are associated with elevated binucleation rates via cytokinesis failure. Similar binucleation rates are seen in cells expressing an α-cat salt-bridge destabilizing mutant (R551A) designed to promote M2-M3 domain unfurling at lower force thresholds. Since binucleation is strongly enhanced by removal of the M1 as opposed to M2-M3 domains, cytokinetic fidelity is most sensitive to α-cat M2-M3 domain opening. To identify α-cat conformation-dependent proximity partners that contribute to cytokinesis, we used a biotin-ligase approach to distinguished proximity partners that show enhanced recruitment upon α-cat M-domain unfurling (R551A). We identified Leucine Zipper Tumor Suppressor 2 (LZTS2), an abscission factor previously implicated in cytokinesis. We confirm that LZTS2 enriches at the midbody, but discover it also localizes to tight and tricellular junctions. LZTS2 knock-down promotes binucleation in both MDCK and Retinal Pigmented Epithelial (RPE) cells. α-cat mutants with persistent M2-M3 domain opening showed elevated junctional enrichment of LZTS2 from the cytosol compared α-cat wild-type cells. These data implicate LZTS2 as a mechanosensitive effector of α-cat that is critical for cytokinetic fidelity. This model rationalizes how persistent mechano-activation of α-cat may drive tension-induced polyploidization of epithelia post-injury and suggests an underlying mechanism for how pathogenic α-cat mutations drive macular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuou Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Alex Yemelyanov
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Christopher D. Go
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sun Kim
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jeanne M. Quinn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Annette S. Flozak
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Phuong M. Le
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Shannon Liang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Anne Claude-Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mitsu Ikura
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noboru Ishiyama
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cara J. Gottardi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cell & Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
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14
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Bush J, Cabe JI, Conway D, Maruthamuthu V. α-Catenin Dependent E-cadherin Adhesion Dynamics as Revealed by an Accelerated Force Ramp. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.28.550975. [PMID: 37645773 PMCID: PMC10461907 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.28.550975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Tissue remodeling and shape changes often rely on force-induced cell rearrangements occurring via cell-cell contact dynamics. Epithelial cell-cell contact shape changes are particularly dependent upon E-cadherin adhesion dynamics which are directly influenced by cell-generated and external forces. While both the mobility of E-cadherin adhesions and their adhesion strength have been reported before, it is not clear how these two aspects of E-cadherin adhesion dynamics are related. Here, using magnetic pulling cytometry, we applied an accelerated force ramp on the E-cadherin adhesion between an E-cadherin-coated magnetic microbead and an epithelial cell to ascertain this relationship. Our approach enables the determination of the adhesion strength and force-dependent mobility of individual adhesions, which revealed a direct correlation between these key characteristics. Since α-catenin has previously been reported to play a role in both E-cadherin mobility and adhesion strength when studied independently, we also probed epithelial cells in which α-catenin has been knocked out. We found that, in the absence of α-catenin, E-cadherin adhesions not only had lower adhesion strength, as expected, but were also more mobile. We observed that α-catenin was required for the recovery of strained cell-cell contacts and propose that the adhesion strength and force-dependent mobility of E-cadherin adhesions act in tandem to regulate cell-cell contact homeostasis. Our approach introduces a method which relates the force-dependent adhesion mobility to adhesion strength and highlights the morphological role played by α-catenin in E-cadherin adhesion dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Bush
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
- Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Jolene I. Cabe
- Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA
| | - Daniel Conway
- Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Venkat Maruthamuthu
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
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15
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Faust MA, Rasé VJ, Lamb TJ, Evavold BD. What's the Catch? The Significance of Catch Bonds in T Cell Activation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:333-342. [PMID: 37459191 PMCID: PMC10732538 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
One of the main goals in T cell biology has been to investigate how TCR recognition of peptide:MHC (pMHC) determines T cell phenotype and fate. Ag recognition is required to facilitate survival, expansion, and effector function of T cells. Historically, TCR affinity for pMHC has been used as a predictor for T cell fate and responsiveness, but there have now been several examples of nonfunctional high-affinity clones and low-affinity highly functional clones. Recently, more attention has been paid to the TCR being a mechanoreceptor where the key biophysical determinant is TCR bond lifetime under force. As outlined in this review, the fundamental parameters between the TCR and pMHC that control Ag recognition and T cell triggering are affinity, bond lifetime, and the amount of force at which the peak lifetime occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Faust
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Viva J Rasé
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Tracey J Lamb
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Brian D Evavold
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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16
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Kumar A, Quint DA, Dasbiswas K. Range and strength of mechanical interactions of force dipoles in elastic fiber networks. SOFT MATTER 2023. [PMID: 37470114 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00381g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces generated by myosin II molecular motors drive diverse cellular processes, most notably shape change, division and locomotion. These forces may be transmitted over long range through the cytoskeletal medium - a disordered, viscoelastic network of biopolymers. The resulting cell size scale force chains can in principle mediate mechanical interactions between distant actomyosin units, leading to self-organized structural order in the cell cytoskeleton. Inspired by such force transmission through elastic structures in the cytoskeleton, we consider a percolated fiber lattice network, where fibers are represented as linear elastic elements that can both bend and stretch, and the contractile activity of myosin motors is represented by force dipoles. Then, by using a variety of metrics, we show how two such contractile force dipoles interact with each other through their mutual mechanical deformations of the elastic fiber network. As a prelude to two-dipole interactions, we quantify how forces propagate through the network from a single anisotropic force dipole by analyzing clusters of nodes connected by highly strained bonds, as well as through the decay rate of strain energy with distance from a force dipole. We show that predominant fiber bending screens out force propagation, resulting in reduced and strongly network configuration-dependent dipole interactions. On the other hand, stretching-dominated networks support longer-ranged inter-dipole interactions that recapitulate the predictions of linear elasticity theory. By characterizing the differences between tensile and compressive force propagation in the fiber network, we show how inter-dipole interaction depends on the dipoles' mutual separation and orientation. The resulting elastic interaction energy may mediate a force between multiple distant dipoles, leading to their self-organization into ordered configurations. This provides a potential pathway for active mechanical force-driven structural order in elastic biopolymer networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Kumar
- Department of Physics, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA.
| | - David A Quint
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA
| | - Kinjal Dasbiswas
- Department of Physics, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA.
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17
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Mirouse V. Evolution and developmental functions of the dystrophin-associated protein complex: beyond the idea of a muscle-specific cell adhesion complex. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1182524. [PMID: 37384252 PMCID: PMC10293626 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1182524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex (DAPC) is a well-defined and evolutionarily conserved complex in animals. DAPC interacts with the F-actin cytoskeleton via dystrophin, and with the extracellular matrix via the membrane protein dystroglycan. Probably for historical reasons that have linked its discovery to muscular dystrophies, DAPC function is often described as limited to muscle integrity maintenance by providing mechanical robustness, which implies strong cell-extracellular matrix adhesion properties. In this review, phylogenetic and functional data from different vertebrate and invertebrate models will be analyzed and compared to explore the molecular and cellular functions of DAPC, with a specific focus on dystrophin. These data reveals that the evolution paths of DAPC and muscle cells are not intrinsically linked and that many features of dystrophin protein domains have not been identified yet. DAPC adhesive properties also are discussed by reviewing the available evidence of common key features of adhesion complexes, such as complex clustering, force transmission, mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction. Finally, the review highlights DAPC developmental roles in tissue morphogenesis and basement membrane (BM) assembly that may indicate adhesion-independent functions.
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18
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Ullo MF, Case LB. How cells sense and integrate information from different sources. WIREs Mech Dis 2023:e1604. [PMID: 36781396 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1604] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell signaling is a fundamental cellular process that enables cells to sense and respond to information in their surroundings. At the molecular level, signaling is primarily carried out by transmembrane protein receptors that can initiate complex downstream signal transduction cascades to alter cellular behavior. In the human body, different cells can be exposed to a wide variety of environmental conditions, and cells express diverse classes of receptors capable of sensing and integrating different signals. Furthermore, different receptors and signaling pathways can crosstalk with each other to calibrate the cellular response. Crosstalk occurs through multiple mechanisms at different levels of signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss how cells sense and integrate different chemical, mechanical, and spatial signals as well as the mechanisms of crosstalk between pathways. To illustrate these concepts, we use a few well-studied signaling pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinases and integrin receptors. Finally, we discuss the implications of dysregulated cellular sensing on driving diseases such as cancer. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Ullo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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19
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Rangarajan ES, Smith EW, Izard T. The nematode α-catenin ortholog, HMP1, has an extended α-helix when bound to actin filaments. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102817. [PMID: 36539037 PMCID: PMC9860117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of cell-cell junctions during epidermal morphogenesis ensures tissue integrity, a process regulated by α-catenin. This cytoskeletal protein connects the cadherin complex to filamentous actin at cell-cell junctions. The cadherin-catenin complex plays key roles in cell physiology, organism development, and disease. While mutagenesis of Caenorhabditis elegans cadherin and catenin shows that these proteins are key for embryonic morphogenesis, we know surprisingly little about their structure and attachment to the cytoskeleton. In contrast to mammalian α-catenin that functions as a dimer or monomer, the α-catenin ortholog from C. elegans, HMP1 for humpback, is a monomer. Our cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) structure of HMP1/α-catenin reveals that the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains of HMP1/α-catenin are disordered and not in contact with the remaining HMP1/α-catenin middle domain. Since the carboxy-terminal HMP1/α-catenin domain is the F-actin-binding domain (FABD), this interdomain constellation suggests that HMP1/α-catenin is constitutively active, which we confirm biochemically. Our perhaps most surprising finding, given the high sequence similarity between the mammalian and nematode proteins, is our cryoEM structure of HMP1/α-catenin bound to F-actin. Unlike the structure of mammalian α-catenin bound to F-actin, binding to F-actin seems to allosterically convert a loop region of the HMP1/α-catenin FABD to extend an HMP1/α-catenin FABD α-helix. We use cryoEM and bundling assays to show for the first time how the FABD of HMP1/α-catenin bundles actin in the absence of force. Collectively, our data advance our understanding of α-catenin regulation of cell-cell contacts and additionally aid our understanding of the evolution of multicellularity in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tina Izard
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, UF Scripps, Jupiter, Florida, USA; The Skaggs Graduate School, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA.
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20
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Sheppard L, Green DG, Lerchbaumer G, Rothenberg KE, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Tepass U. The α-Catenin mechanosensing M region is required for cell adhesion during tissue morphogenesis. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213759. [PMID: 36520419 PMCID: PMC9757846 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202108091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Catenin couples the cadherin-catenin complex to the actin cytoskeleton. The mechanosensitive α-Catenin M region undergoes conformational changes upon application of force to recruit interaction partners. Here, we took advantage of the tension landscape in the Drosophila embryo to define three different states of α-Catenin mechanosensing in support of cell adhesion. Low-, medium-, and high-tension contacts showed a corresponding recruitment of Vinculin and Ajuba, which was dependent on the α-Catenin M region. In contrast, the Afadin homolog Canoe acts in parallel to α-Catenin at bicellular low- and medium-tension junctions but requires an interaction with α-Catenin for its tension-sensitive enrichment at high-tension tricellular junctions. Individual M region domains make complex contributions to cell adhesion through their impact on interaction partner recruitment, and redundancies with the function of Canoe. Our data argue that α-Catenin and its interaction partners are part of a cooperative and partially redundant mechanoresponsive network that supports AJs remodeling during morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Sheppard
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David G. Green
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gerald Lerchbaumer
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katheryn E. Rothenberg
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ulrich Tepass
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Correspondence to Ulrich Tepass:
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