scholarly journals Myosin II Is Essential for the Spatiotemporal Organization of Traction Forces during Cell Motility

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruedi Meili ◽  
Baldomero Alonso-Latorre ◽  
Juan C. del Álamo ◽  
Richard A. Firtel ◽  
Juan C. Lasheras
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Traction Forces ◽  
Amoeboid Motility ◽  
Periodic Repetition ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Tensional Stress ◽  
Motility Cycle ◽  
Analytical Tools

Amoeboid motility requires spatiotemporal coordination of biochemical pathways regulating force generation and consists of the quasi-periodic repetition of a motility cycle driven by actin polymerization and actomyosin contraction. Using new analytical tools and statistical methods, we provide, for the first time, a statistically significant quantification of the spatial distribution of the traction forces generated at each phase of the cycle (protrusion, contraction, retraction, and relaxation). We show that cells are constantly under tensional stress and that wild-type cells develop two opposing “pole” forces pulling the front and back toward the center whose strength is modulated up and down periodically in each cycle. We demonstrate that nonmuscular myosin II complex (MyoII) cross-linking and motor functions have different roles in controlling the spatiotemporal distribution of traction forces, the changes in cell shape, and the duration of all the phases. We show that the time required to complete each phase is dramatically increased in cells with altered MyoII motor function, demonstrating that it is required not only for contraction but also for protrusion. Concomitant loss of MyoII actin cross-linking leads to a force redistribution throughout the cell perimeter pulling inward toward the center. However, it does not reduce significantly the magnitude of the traction forces, uncovering a non–MyoII-mediated mechanism for the contractility of the cell.

scholarly journals The SCAR/WAVE complex is necessary for proper regulation of traction stresses during amoeboid motility

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 3995-4003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Effie Bastounis ◽  
Ruedi Meili ◽  
Baldomero Alonso-Latorre ◽  
Juan C. del Álamo ◽  
Juan C. Lasheras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Amoeboid Motility ◽  
Elastic Substrates ◽  
Random Manner ◽  
Motility Cycle ◽  
Wave Complex

Cell migration requires a tightly regulated, spatiotemporal coordination of underlying biochemical pathways. Crucial to cell migration is SCAR/WAVE–mediated dendritic F-actin polymerization at the cell's leading edge. Our goal is to understand the role the SCAR/WAVE complex plays in the mechanics of amoeboid migration. To this aim, we measured and compared the traction stresses exerted by Dictyostelium cells lacking the SCAR/WAVE complex proteins PIR121 (pirA−) and SCAR (scrA−) with those of wild-type cells while they were migrating on flat, elastic substrates. We found that, compared to wild type, both mutant strains exert traction stresses of different strengths that correlate with their F-actin levels. In agreement with previous studies, we found that wild-type cells migrate by repeating a motility cycle in which the cell length and strain energy exerted by the cells on their substrate vary periodically. Our analysis also revealed that scrA− cells display an altered motility cycle with a longer period and a lower migration velocity, whereas pirA− cells migrate in a random manner without implementing a periodic cycle. We present detailed characterization of the traction-stress phenotypes of the various cell lines, providing new insights into the role of F-actin polymerization in regulating cell–substratum interactions and stresses required for motility.

scholarly journals Mechanisms responsible for F-actin stabilization after lysis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

1992 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 1123-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
M L Cano ◽  
L Cassimeris ◽  
M Fechheimer ◽  
S H Zigmond
Keyword(s):  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Macromolecular Complex ◽  
Actin Depolymerization ◽  
Gravitational Forces ◽  
End Capping

While actin polymerization and depolymerization are both essential for cell movement, few studies have focused on actin depolymerization. In vivo, depolymerization can occur exceedingly rapidly and in a spatially defined manner: the F-actin in the lamellipodia depolymerizes in 30 s after chemoattractant removal (Cassimeris, L., H. McNeill, and S. H. Zigmond. 1990. J. Cell Biol. 110:1067-1075). To begin to understand the regulation of F-actin depolymerization, we have examined F-actin depolymerization in lysates of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Surprisingly, much of the cell F-actin, measured with a TRITC-phalloidin-binding assay, was stable after lysis in a physiological salt buffer (0.15 M KCl): approximately 50% of the F-actin did not depolymerize even after 18 h. This stable F-actin included lamellar F-actin which could still be visualized one hour after lysis by staining with TRITC-phalloidin and by EM. We investigated the basis for this stability. In lysates with cell concentrations greater than 10(7) cells/ml, sufficient globular actin (G-actin) was present to result in a net increase in F-actin. However, the F-actin stability was not solely because of the presence of free G-actin since addition of DNase I to the lysate did not increase the F-actin loss. Nor did it appear to be because of barbed end capping factors since cell lysates provided sites for barbed end polymerization of exogenous added actin. The stable F-actin existed in a macromolecular complex that pelleted at low gravitational forces. Increasing the salt concentration of the lysis buffer decreased the amount of F-actin that pelleted at low gravitational forces and increased the amount of F-actin that depolymerized. Various actin-binding and cross-linking proteins such as tropomyosin, alpha-actinin, and actin-binding protein pelleted with the stable F-actin. In addition, we found that alpha-actinin, a filament cross-linking protein, inhibited the rate of pyrenyl F-actin depolymerization. These results suggested that actin cross-linking proteins may contribute to the stability of cellular actin after lysis. The activity of crosslinkers may be regulated in vivo to allow rapid turnover of lamellipodia F-actin.

scholarly journals Contribution of Filopodia to Cell Migration: A Mechanical Link between Protrusion and Contraction

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Xue ◽  
Deanna M. Janzen ◽  
David A. Knecht
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Networks ◽  
Motile Cells ◽  
A Cell

Numerous F-actin containing structures are involved in regulating protrusion of membrane at the leading edge of motile cells. We have investigated the structure and dynamics of filopodia as they relate to events at the leading edge and the function of the trailing actin networks. We have found that although filopodia contain parallel bundles of actin, they contain a surprisingly nonuniform spatial and temporal distribution of actin binding proteins. Along the length of the actin filaments in a single filopodium, the most distal portion contains primarily T-plastin, while the proximal portion is primarily bound byα-actinin and coronin. Some filopodia are stationary, but lateral filopodia move with respect to the leading edge. They appear to form a mechanical link between the actin polymerization network at the front of the cell and the myosin motor activity in the cell body. The direction of lateral filopodial movement is associated with the direction of cell migration. When lateral filopodia initiate from and move toward only one side of a cell, the cell will turn opposite to the direction of filopodial flow. Therefore, this filopodia-myosin II system allows actin polymerization driven protrusion forces and myosin II mediated contractile force to be mechanically coordinated.

scholarly journals Myosin-II activity generates a dynamic steady state with continuous actin turnover in a minimal actin cortex

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonal ◽  
Kristina A. Ganzinger ◽  
Sven K. Vogel ◽  
Jonas Mücksch ◽  
Philipp Blumhardt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Actin Cortex ◽  
Actin Turnover ◽  
Cytoskeletal Dynamics

ABSTRACTDynamic reorganization of the actomyosin cytoskeleton allows a fine-tuning of cell shape that is vital to many cellular functions. It is well established that myosin-II motors generate the forces required for remodeling the cell surface by imparting contractility to actin networks. An additional, less understood, role of myosin-II in cytoskeletal dynamics is believed to be in the regulation of actin turnover; it has been proposed that myosin activity increases actin turnover in various cellular contexts, presumably by contributing to disassembly. In vitro reconstitution of actomyosin networks has confirmed the role of myosin in actin network disassembly, but factors such as diffusional constraints and the use of stabilized filaments have thus far limited the observation of myosin-assisted actin turnover in these networks. Here, we present the reconstitution of a minimal dynamic actin cortex where actin polymerization is catalyzed on the membrane in the presence of myosin-II activity. We demonstrate that myosin activity leads to disassembly and redistribution in this simplified cortex. Consequently, a new dynamic steady state emerges in which actin filaments undergo constant turnover. Our findings suggest a multi-faceted role of myosin-II in fast remodeling of the eukaryotic actin cortex.

Formation of neutrophil extracellular traps requires actin cytoskeleton rearrangements

Blood ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelien G.G. Sprenkeler ◽  
Anton T.J. Tool ◽  
Stefanie Henriet ◽  
Robin van Bruggen ◽  
Taco W. Kuijpers
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Polymerization Process ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Cytoskeleton Rearrangements ◽  
Cellular Components

Neutrophils are important effector cells in the host defense against invading micro-organisms. One of the mechanisms they employ to eliminate pathogens is the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Although NET release and subsequent cell death known as NETosis have been intensively studied, the cellular components and factors determining or facilitating the formation of NETs remain incompletely understood. Using various actin polymerization and myosin II modulators on neutrophils from healthy individuals, we show that intact F-actin dynamics and myosin II function are essential for NET formation when induced by different stimuli, i.e. phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, monosodium urate crystals and Candida albicans. The role of actin polymerization in NET formation could not be explained by the lack of reactive oxygen species production or granule release, which were normal or enhanced under the given conditions. Neutrophils from patients with very rare inherited actin polymerization defects by either ARPC1B- or MKL1-deficiency also failed to show NETosis. We found that upon inhibition of actin dynamics there is a lack of translocation of NE to the nucleus, which may well explain the impaired NET formation. Collectively, our data illustrate the essential requirement of an intact and active actin polymerization process, as well as active myosin II to enable the release of nuclear DNA by neutrophils during NET formation.

scholarly journals Nonmuscle myosin II is responsible for maintaining endothelial cell basal tone and stress fiber integrity

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (4) ◽  
pp. C994-C1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe M. Goeckeler ◽  
Paul C. Bridgman ◽  
Robert B. Wysolmerski
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Isometric Tension ◽  
Stress Fiber ◽  
Tension Development ◽  
Basal Tone

Cultured confluent endothelial cells exhibit stable basal isometric tone associated with constitutive myosin II regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation. Thrombin treatment causes a rapid increase in isometric tension concomitant with myosin II RLC phosphorylation, actin polymerization, and stress fiber reorganization while inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and Rho-kinase prevent these responses. These findings suggest a central role for myosin II in the regulation of endothelial cell tension. The present studies examine the effects of blebbistatin, a specific inhibitor of myosin II activity, on basal tone and thrombin-induced tension development. Although blebbistatin treatment abolished basal tension, this was accompanied by an increase in myosin II RLC phosphorylation. The increase in RLC phosphorylation was Ca2+ dependent and mediated by MLCK. Similarly, blebbistatin inhibited thrombin-induced tension without interfering with the increase in RLC phosphorylation or in F-actin polymerization. Blebbistatin did prevent myosin II filament incorporation and association with polymerizing or reorganized actin filaments leading to the disappearance of stress fibers. Thus the inhibitory effects of blebbistatin on basal tone and induced tension are consistent with a requirement for myosin II activity to maintain stress fiber integrity.

scholarly journals Myosin-II Mediated Traction Forces Evoke Localized Piezo1 Ca2+ Flickers

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 377a ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle L. Ellefsen ◽  
Alice Chang ◽  
Jamison L. Nourse ◽  
Jesse R. Holt ◽  
Janahan Arulmoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Traction Forces

scholarly journals Myosin IIA drives membrane bleb retraction

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1051-1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilay Taneja ◽  
Dylan T. Burnette
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Nonmuscle Myosin ◽  
Final Phase ◽  
Biophysical Properties ◽  
Actin Cortex ◽  
Nonmuscle Myosin Ii ◽  
Membrane Blebs ◽  
Ability To Drive

Membrane blebs are specialized cellular protrusions that play diverse roles in processes such as cell division and cell migration. Blebbing can be divided into three distinct phases: bleb nucleation, bleb growth, and bleb retraction. Following nucleation and bleb growth, the actin cortex, comprising actin, cross-linking proteins, and nonmuscle myosin II (MII), begins to reassemble on the membrane. MII then drives the final phase, bleb retraction, which results in reintegration of the bleb into the cellular cortex. There are three MII paralogues with distinct biophysical properties expressed in mammalian cells: MIIA, MIIB, and MIIC. Here we show that MIIA specifically drives bleb retraction during cytokinesis. The motor domain and regulation of the nonhelical tailpiece of MIIA both contribute to its ability to drive bleb retraction. These experiments have also revealed a relationship between faster turnover of MIIA at the cortex and its ability to drive bleb retraction.

scholarly journals Directional Transport of a Bead Bound to Lamellipodial Surface Is Driven by Actin Polymerization

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Nobezawa ◽  
Sho-ichi Ikeda ◽  
Eitaro Wada ◽  
Takashi Nagano ◽  
Hidetake Miyata
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Optical Trap ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Cytochalasin D ◽  
The Other ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Latrunculin A ◽  
Actin Turnover

The force driving the retrograde flow of actin cytoskeleton is important in the cellular activities involving cell movement (e.g., growth cone motility in axon guidance, wound healing, or cancer metastasis). However, relative importance of the forces generated by actin polymerization and myosin II in this process remains elusive. We have investigated the retrograde movement of the poly-D-lysine-coated bead attached with the optical trap to the edge of lamellipodium of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. The velocity of the attached bead drastically decreased by submicromolar concentration of cytochalasin D, latrunculin A, or jasplakinolide, indicating the involvement of actin turnover. On the other hand, the velocity decreased only slightly in the presence of 50 μM (−)-blebbistatin and Y-27632. Comparative fluorescence microscopy of the distribution of actin filaments and that of myosin II revealed that the inhibition of actin turnover by cytochalasin D, latrunculin A, or jasplakinolide greatly diminished the actin filament network. On the other hand, inhibition of myosin II activity by (−)-blebbistatin or Y-27632 little affected the actin network but diminished stress fibers. Based on these results, we conclude that the actin polymerization/depolymerization plays the major role in the retrograde movement, while the myosin II activity is involved in the maintenance of the dynamic turnover of actin in lamellipodium.

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