scholarly journals Force-exerting perpendicular lateral protrusions in fibroblastic cell contraction

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abinash Padhi ◽  
Karanpreet Singh ◽  
Janusz Franco-Barraza ◽  
Daniel J. Marston ◽  
Edna Cukierman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Feedback Process ◽  
Fibroblastic Cell ◽  
Parallel Fibers ◽  
Fiber Networks ◽  
Specific Morphology ◽  
Actin Waves ◽  
And Function ◽  
Activated Fibroblasts ◽  
Lateral Cell

AbstractAligned extracellular matrix fibers enable fibroblasts to undergo myofibroblastic activation and achieve elongated shapes. Activated fibroblasts are able to contract, perpetuating the alignment of these fibers. This poorly understood feedback process is critical in chronic fibrosis conditions, including cancer. Here, using fiber networks that serve as force sensors, we identify “3D perpendicular lateral protrusions” (3D-PLPs) that evolve from lateral cell extensions named twines. Twines originate from stratification of cyclic-actin waves traversing the cell and swing freely in 3D to engage neighboring fibers. Once engaged, a lamellum forms and extends multiple secondary twines, which fill in to form a sheet-like PLP, in a force-entailing process that transitions focal adhesions to activated (i.e., pathological) 3D-adhesions. The specific morphology of PLPs enables cells to increase contractility and force on parallel fibers. Controlling geometry of extracellular networks confirms that anisotropic fibrous environments support 3D-PLP formation and function, suggesting an explanation for cancer-associated desmoplastic expansion.

scholarly journals Force-exerting lateral protrusions in fibroblastic cell contraction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abinash Padhi ◽  
Karanpreet Singh ◽  
Janusz Franco-Barraza ◽  
Daniel J. Marston ◽  
Edna Cukierman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Parent Cell ◽  
Quantitative Microscopy ◽  
Fibroblastic Cell ◽  
Fiber Networks ◽  
Formation Kinetics ◽  
Actin Waves ◽  
Contractile Forces ◽  
Fibroblastic Cells

ABSTRACTAligned extracellular matrix fibers enable fibroblasts to undergo myofibroblastic activation and lead to elongated cell morphology. The fibroblasts in turn contract to cause alignment of the extracellular matrix. This feedback process is critical in pathological occurrences such as desmoplasia and is not well understood. Using engineered fiber networks that serve as force sensors, we identify lateral protrusions with specific functions and morphology that are induced by elongated fibroblastic cells and which apply extracellular fiber-deflecting contractile forces. Lateral projections, named twines, produce twine bridges upon interacting with neighboring parallel fibers. These mature into “perpendicular lateral protrusions” (PLPs) that enable cells to spread laterally and effectively contract. Using quantitative microscopy, we show that the twines originate from the stratification of cyclic actin waves traversing the entire length of the cell. The primary twines swing freely in 3D and engage neighboring extracellular fibers. Once engaged, a lamellum extends from the primary twine and forms a second twine, which also engages with the neighboring fiber. As the lamellum fills in the space between the two twines, a sheet-like PLP is formed to contract effectively. By controlling the geometry of extracellular networks we confirm that anisotropic fibrous environments enable PLP formation, and these force-generating PLPs are oriented perpendicular to the parent cell body. PLP formation kinetics indicated mechanisms analogous to other/known actin-based structures. Our identification of force-exerting PLPs in anisotropic fibrous environments suggests an explanation for cancer-associated desmoplastic expansion at single-cell resolution, providing possible new clinical intervention opportunities.

Apigenin Alleviates Renal Fibroblast Activation through AMPK and ERK Signaling Pathways In Vitro

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 1107-1118
Author(s):  
Ningning Li ◽  
Zhan Wang ◽  
Tao Sun ◽  
Yanfei Lei ◽  
Xianghua Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Fibroblast Proliferation ◽  
Fibroblast Activation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Activated Fibroblasts ◽  
Tgf Β1

Objective: Renal fibrosis is a common pathway leading to the progression of chronic kidney disease. Activated fibroblasts contribute remarkably to the development of renal fibrosis. Although apigenin has been demonstrated to play a protective role from fibrotic diseases, its pharmacological effect on renal fibroblast activation remains largely unknown. Materials and Methods: Here, we examined the functional role of apigenin in the activation of renal fibroblasts response to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and its potential mechanisms. Cultured renal fibroblasts (NRK-49F) were exposed to apigenin (1, 5, 10 and 20 μM), followed by the stimulation of TGF-β1 (2 ng/mL) for 24 h. The markers of fibroblast activation were determined. In order to confirm the anti-fibrosis effect of apigenin, the expression of fibrosis-associated genes in renal fibroblasts was assessed. As a consequence, apigenin alleviated fibroblast proliferation and fibroblastmyofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1. Result: Notably, apigenin significantly inhibited the fibrosis-associated genes expression in renal fibroblasts. Moreover, apigenin treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Apigenin treatment also obviously reduced TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but not Smad2/3, p38 and JNK MAPK in renal fibroblasts. Conclusion: In a summary, these results indicate that apigenin inhibits renal fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and function by AMPK activation and reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting it could be an attractive therapeutic potential for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

scholarly journals Campylobacter jejuni Triggers Signaling through Host Cell Focal Adhesions To Inhibit Cell Motility

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney M. Klappenbach ◽  
Nicholas M. Negretti ◽  
Jesse Aaron ◽  
Teng-Leong Chew ◽  
Michael E. Konkel
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Motility ◽  
Host Cell ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Focal Adhesion ◽  
Foodborne Pathogen ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Function

Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe gastritis. We investigated the dynamics of focal adhesion structure and function in C. jejuni -infected epithelial cells.

scholarly journals Talin is required for integrin-mediated platelet function in hemostasis and thrombosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 204 (13) ◽  
pp. 3103-3111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian G. Petrich ◽  
Patrizia Marchese ◽  
Zaverio M. Ruggeri ◽  
Saskia Spiess ◽  
Rachel A.M. Weichert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Β1 Integrin ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
And Function ◽  
Specific Deletion

Integrins are critical for hemostasis and thrombosis because they mediate both platelet adhesion and aggregation. Talin is an integrin-binding cytoplasmic adaptor that is a central organizer of focal adhesions, and loss of talin phenocopies integrin deletion in Drosophila. Here, we have examined the role of talin in mammalian integrin function in vivo by selectively disrupting the talin1 gene in mouse platelet precursor megakaryocytes. Talin null megakaryocytes produced circulating platelets that exhibited normal morphology yet manifested profoundly impaired hemostatic function. Specifically, platelet-specific deletion of talin1 led to spontaneous hemorrhage and pathological bleeding. Ex vivo and in vitro studies revealed that loss of talin1 resulted in dramatically impaired integrin αIIbβ3-mediated platelet aggregation and β1 integrin–mediated platelet adhesion. Furthermore, loss of talin1 strongly inhibited the activation of platelet β1 and β3 integrins in response to platelet agonists. These data establish that platelet talin plays a crucial role in hemostasis and provide the first proof that talin is required for the activation and function of mammalian α2β1 and αIIbβ3 integrins in vivo.

scholarly journals Matching material and cellular timescales maximizes cell spreading on viscoelastic substrates

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (12) ◽  
pp. E2686-E2695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ze Gong ◽  
Spencer E. Szczesny ◽  
Steven R. Caliari ◽  
Elisabeth E. Charrier ◽  
Ovijit Chaudhuri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Cell Spreading ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Cellular Adhesion ◽  
Direct Monte Carlo Simulation ◽  
Material Parameters ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Maximum Cell ◽  
And Function ◽  
Characteristic Binding

Recent evidence has shown that, in addition to rigidity, the viscous response of the extracellular matrix (ECM) significantly affects the behavior and function of cells. However, the mechanism behind such mechanosensitivity toward viscoelasticity remains unclear. In this study, we systematically examined the dynamics of motor clutches (i.e., focal adhesions) formed between the cell and a viscoelastic substrate using analytical methods and direct Monte Carlo simulation. Interestingly, we observe that, for low ECM rigidity, maximum cell spreading is achieved at an optimal level of viscosity in which the substrate relaxation time falls between the timescale for clutch binding and its characteristic binding lifetime. That is, viscosity serves to stiffen soft substrates on a timescale faster than the clutch off-rate, which enhances cell−ECM adhesion and cell spreading. On the other hand, for substrates that are stiff, our model predicts that viscosity will not influence cell spreading, since the bound clutches are saturated by the elevated stiffness. The model was tested and validated using experimental measurements on three different material systems and explained the different observed effects of viscosity on each substrate. By capturing the mechanism by which substrate viscoelasticity affects cell spreading across a wide range of material parameters, our analytical model provides a useful tool for designing biomaterials that optimize cellular adhesion and mechanosensing.

scholarly journals Autophosphorylation of Tyr397 and its phosphorylation by Src-family kinases are altered in focal-adhesion-kinase neuronal isoforms

2000 ◽  
Vol 348 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine TOUTANT ◽  
Jeanne-Marie STUDLER ◽  
Ferran BURGAYA ◽  
Alicia COSTA ◽  
Pascal EZAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesion Kinase ◽  
Focal Adhesion ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Src Family Kinases ◽  
Critical Residue ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
And Function

In brain, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is regulated by neurotransmitters and has a higher molecular mass than in other tissues, due to alternative splicing. Two exons code for additional peptides of six and seven residues (‘boxes’ 6 and 7), located on either side of Tyr397, which increase its autophosphorylation. Using in situ hybridization and a monoclonal antibody (Mab77) which does not recognize FAK containing box 7, we show that, although mRNAs coding for boxes 6 and 7 have different patterns of expression in brain, FAK+6,7 is the main isoform in forebrain neurons. The various FAK isoforms fused to green fluorescent protein were all targeted to focal adhesions in non-neuronal cells. Phosphorylation-state-specific antibodies were used to study in detail the phosphorylation of Tyr397, a critical residue for the activation and function of FAK. The presence of boxes 6 and 7 increased autophosphorylation of Tyr397 independently and additively, whereas they had a weak effect on FAK kinase activity towards poly(Glu,Tyr). Src-family kinases were also able to phosphorylate Tyr397 in cells, but this phosphorylation was decreased in the presence of box 6 or 7, and abolished in the presence of both. Thus the additional exons characteristic of neuronal isoforms of FAK do not alter its targeting, but change dramatically the phosphorylation of Tyr397. They increase its autophosphorylation in vitro and in transfected COS-7 cells, whereas they prevent its phosphorylation when co-transfected with Src-family kinases.

scholarly journals Supervillin modulation of focal adhesions involving TRIP6/ZRP-1

2006 ◽  
Vol 174 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norio Takizawa ◽  
Tara C. Smith ◽  
Thomas Nebl ◽  
Jessica L. Crowley ◽  
Stephen J. Palmieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Stress Fibers ◽  
Regulatory Sequence ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Substrate Adhesion ◽  
Lim Domains ◽  
Cell Substrate ◽  
Thyroid Receptor ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cell Substrate Adhesion

Cell–substrate contacts, called focal adhesions (FAs), are dynamic in rapidly moving cells. We show that supervillin (SV)—a peripheral membrane protein that binds myosin II and F-actin in such cells—negatively regulates stress fibers, FAs, and cell–substrate adhesion. The major FA regulatory sequence within SV (SV342-571) binds to the LIM domains of two proteins in the zyxin family, thyroid receptor–interacting protein 6 (TRIP6) and lipoma-preferred partner (LPP), but not to zyxin itself. SV and TRIP6 colocalize within large FAs, where TRIP6 may help recruit SV. RNAi-mediated decreases in either protein increase cell adhesion to fibronectin. TRIP6 partially rescues SV effects on stress fibers and FAs, apparently by mislocating SV away from FAs. Thus, SV interactions with TRIP6 at FAs promote loss of FA structure and function. SV and TRIP6 binding partners suggest several specific mechanisms through which the SV–TRIP6 interaction may regulate FA maturation and/or disassembly.

Costameres, focal adhesions, and cardiomyocyte mechanotransduction

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (6) ◽  
pp. H2291-H2301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen M. Samarel
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Growth Factor Signaling ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cytoskeletal Elements ◽  
Biochemical Signals ◽  
Cellular Components

Mechanotransduction refers to the cellular mechanisms by which load-bearing cells sense physical forces, transduce the forces into biochemical signals, and generate appropriate responses leading to alterations in cellular structure and function. This process affects the beat-to-beat regulation of cardiac performance but also affects the proliferation, differentiation, growth, and survival of the cellular components that comprise the human myocardium. This review focuses on the experimental evidence indicating that the costamere and its structurally related structure the focal adhesion complex are critical cytoskeletal elements involved in cardiomyocyte mechanotransduction. Biochemical signals originating from the extracellular matrix-integrin-costameric protein complex share many common features with those signals generated by growth factor receptors. The roles of key regulatory kinases and other muscle-specific proteins involved in mechanotransduction and growth factor signaling are discussed, and issues requiring further study in this field are outlined.

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