scholarly journals Two Motors and One Spring: Hypothetic Roles of Non-Muscle Myosin II and Submembrane Actin-Based Cytoskeleton in Cell Volume Sensing

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7967
Author(s):  
Nadezhda Barvitenko ◽  
Muhammad Aslam ◽  
Alfons Lawen ◽  
Carlota Saldanha ◽  
Elisaveta Skverchinskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Cell Volume ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Regulatory Volume Decrease ◽  
Membrane Curvature ◽  
Actin Cortex ◽  
Muscle Myosin

Changes in plasma membrane curvature and intracellular ionic strength are two key features of cell volume perturbations. In this hypothesis we present a model of the responsible molecular apparatus which is assembled of two molecular motors [non-muscle myosin II (NMMII) and protrusive actin polymerization], a spring [a complex between the plasma membrane (PM) and the submembrane actin-based cytoskeleton (smACSK) which behaves like a viscoelastic solid] and the associated signaling proteins. We hypothesize that this apparatus senses changes in both the plasma membrane curvature and the ionic strength and in turn activates signaling pathways responsible for regulatory volume increase (RVI) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD). During cell volume changes hydrostatic pressure (HP) changes drive alterations in the cell membrane curvature. HP difference has opposite directions in swelling versus shrinkage, thus allowing distinction between them. By analogy with actomyosin contractility that appears to sense stiffness of the extracellular matrix we propose that NMMII and actin polymerization can actively probe the transmembrane gradient in HP. Furthermore, NMMII and protein-protein interactions in the actin cortex are sensitive to ionic strength. Emerging data on direct binding to and regulating activities of transmembrane mechanosensors by NMMII and actin cortex provide routes for signal transduction from transmembrane mechanosensors to cell volume regulatory mechanisms.

Molecular Motors: Force and Movement Generated by Single Myosin II Molecules

Physiology ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 213-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caspar Rüegg ◽  
Claudia Veigel ◽  
Justin E. Molloy ◽  
Stephan Schmitz ◽  
John C. Sparrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Tweezers ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Molecular Motor ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Myosin Isoforms ◽  
Single Molecule Level ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Muscle Myosin

Muscle myosin II is an ATP-driven, actin-based molecular motor. Recent developments in optical tweezers technology have made it possible to study movement and force production on the single-molecule level and to find out how different myosin isoforms may have adapted to their specific physiological roles.

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.

scholarly journals Myosin II Controls Cellular Branching Morphogenesis and Migration in 3D by Minimizing Plasma Membrane Curvature

2014 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 13a
Author(s):  
A.R. Fischer ◽  
Hunter Elliot ◽  
Clare Waterman ◽  
Gaudenz Danuser
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Branching Morphogenesis ◽  
Membrane Curvature ◽  
And Migration

scholarly journals A novel coordinated function of Myosin II with GOLPH3 controls centralspindlin localization during cytokinesis in Drosophila

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (21) ◽  
pp. jcs252965
Author(s):  
Stefano Sechi ◽  
Anna Frappaolo ◽  
Angela Karimpour-Ghahnavieh ◽  
Roberta Fraschini ◽  
Maria Grazia Giansanti
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Heavy Chain ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Animal Cell ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Contractile Ring ◽  
Ring Assembly ◽  
Missense Allele ◽  
Phosphatidylinositol 4 ◽  
Muscle Myosin

ABSTRACTIn animal cell cytokinesis, interaction of non-muscle myosin II (NMII) with F-actin provides the dominant force for pinching the mother cell into two daughters. Here we demonstrate that celibe (cbe) is a missense allele of zipper, which encodes the Drosophila Myosin heavy chain. Mutation of cbe impairs binding of Zipper protein to the regulatory light chain Spaghetti squash (Sqh). In dividing spermatocytes from cbe males, Sqh fails to concentrate at the equatorial cortex, resulting in thin actomyosin rings that are unable to constrict. We show that cbe mutation impairs localization of the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P]-binding protein Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3, also known as Sauron) and maintenance of centralspindlin at the cell equator of telophase cells. Our results further demonstrate that GOLPH3 protein associates with Sqh and directly binds the centralspindlin subunit Pavarotti. We propose that during cytokinesis, the reciprocal dependence between Myosin and PI(4)P–GOLPH3 regulates centralspindlin stabilization at the invaginating plasma membrane and contractile ring assembly.

scholarly journals Indirect Role of AQP4b and AQP4d Isoforms in Dynamics of Astrocyte Volume and Orthogonal Arrays of Particles

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjeta Lisjak ◽  
Maja Potokar ◽  
Robert Zorec ◽  
Jernej Jorgačevski
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Volume ◽  
Volume Regulation ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Regulatory Volume Decrease ◽  
Cell Volume Regulation ◽  
Orthogonal Arrays ◽  
Cell Swelling ◽  
Early Endosomes ◽  
Orthogonal Arrays Of Particles

Water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) plays a key role in the regulation of water homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). It is predominantly expressed in astrocytes lining blood–brain and blood–liquor boundaries. AQP4a (M1), AQP4c (M23), and AQP4e, present in the plasma membrane, participate in the cell volume regulation of astrocytes. The function of their splicing variants, AQP4b and AQP4d, predicted to be present in the cytoplasm, is unknown. We examined the cellular distribution of AQP4b and AQP4d in primary rat astrocytes and their role in cell volume regulation. The AQP4b and AQP4d isoforms exhibited extensive cytoplasmic localization in early and late endosomes/lysosomes and in the Golgi apparatus. Neither isoform localized to orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs) in the plasma membrane. The overexpression of AQP4b and AQP4d isoforms in isoosmotic conditions reduced the density of OAPs; in hypoosmotic conditions, they remained absent from OAPs. In hypoosmotic conditions, the AQP4d isoform was significantly redistributed to early endosomes, which correlated with the increased trafficking of AQP4-laden vesicles. The overexpression of AQP4d facilitated the kinetics of cell swelling, without affecting the regulatory volume decrease. Therefore, although they reside in the cytoplasm, AQP4b and AQP4d isoforms may play an indirect role in astrocyte volume changes.

scholarly journals Electric signals counterbalanced posterior vs anterior PTEN signaling in directed migration of Dictyostelium

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Song ◽  
Yu Gu ◽  
Wenkai Jiang ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Wayne Nishio Ayre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Electric Stimulation ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Genetic Regulation ◽  
Asymmetric Membrane ◽  
Directed Migration ◽  
Electric Signals ◽  
Migration Response

Abstract Background Cells show directed migration response to electric signals, namely electrotaxis or galvanotaxis. PI3K and PTEN jointly play counterbalancing roles in this event via a bilateral regulation of PIP3 signaling. PI3K has been proved essential in anterior signaling of electrotaxing cells, whilst the role of PTEN remains elusive. Methods Dictyostelium cells with different genetic backgrounds were treated with direct current electric signals to investigate the genetic regulation of electrotaxis. Results We demonstrated that electric signals promoted PTEN phosphatase activity and asymmetrical translocation to the posterior plasma membrane of the electrotaxing cells. Electric stimulation produced a similar but delayed rear redistribution of myosin II, immediately before electrotaxis started. Actin polymerization is required for the asymmetric membrane translocation of PTEN and myosin. PTEN signaling is also responsible for the asymmetric anterior redistribution of PIP3/F-actin, and a biased redistribution of pseudopod protrusion in the forwarding direction of electrotaxing cells. Conclusions PTEN controls electrotaxis by coordinately regulating asymmetric redistribution of myosin to the posterior, and PIP3/F-actin to the anterior region of the directed migration cells.

scholarly journals Bond type and discretization of non-muscle myosin II are critical for simulated contractile dynamics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.B Cortes ◽  
M. Gordon ◽  
F. Nédélec ◽  
A.S. Maddox
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Molecular Motor ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Coarse Graining ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Bond Type ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Muscle Myosin

ABSTRACTMolecular motors drive cytoskeletal rearrangements to change cell shape. Myosins are the motors that move, crosslink, and modify the actin cytoskeleton. The primary force generator in contractile actomyosin networks is non-muscle myosin II (NMMII), a molecular motor that assembles into ensembles that bind, slide, and crosslink actin filaments (F-actin). The multivalence of NMMII ensembles and their multiple roles have confounded the resolution of crucial questions including how the number of NMMII subunits affects dynamics, and what affects the relative contribution of ensembles’ crosslinking versus motoring activities. Since biophysical measurements of ensembles are sparse, modeling of actomyosin networks has aided in discovering the complex behaviors of NMMII ensembles. Myosin ensembles have been modeled via several strategies with variable discretization/coarse-graining and unbinding dynamics, and while general assumptions that simplify motor ensembles result in global contractile behaviors, it remains unclear which strategies most accurately depict cellular activity. Here, we used an agent-based platform, Cytosim, to implement several models of NMMII ensembles. Comparing the effects of bond type, we found that ensembles of catch-slip and catch motors were the best force generators and binders of filaments. Slip motor ensembles were capable of generating force but unbound frequently, resulting in slower contractile rates of contractile networks. Coarse-graining of these ensemble types from two sets of 16 motors on opposite ends of a stiff rod to two binders, each representing 16 motors, reduced force generation, contractility, and the total connectivity of filament networks for all ensemble types. A parallel cluster model (PCM) previously used to describe ensemble dynamics via statistical mechanics, allowed better contractility with coarse-graining, though connectivity was still markedly reduced for this ensemble type with coarse-graining. Together our results reveal substantial trade-offs associated with the process of coarse-graining NMMII ensembles and highlight the robustness of discretized catch-slip ensembles in modeling actomyosin networks.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEAgent-based simulations of contractile networks allow us to explore the mechanics of actomyosin contractility, which drives many cell shape changes including cytokinesis, the final step of cell division. Such simulations should be able to predict the mechanics and dynamics of non-muscle contractility, however recent work has highlighted a lack of consensus on how to best model the non-muscle myosin II. These ensembles of approximately 32 motors are the key components responsible for driving contractility. Here, we explored different methods for modeling non-muscle myosin II ensembles within the context of contractile actomyosin networks. We show that the level of coarse-graining and the choice of unbinding model used to model motor unbinding under load indeed has profound effects on contractile network dynamics.

scholarly journals Electric Signals Counterbalanced Posterior vs Anterior PTEN Signaling in Directed Migration of Dictyostelium

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Song ◽  
Yu Gu ◽  
Wenkai Jiang ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Wayne Nishio Ayre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Electric Stimulation ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Genetic Regulation ◽  
Asymmetric Membrane ◽  
Directed Migration ◽  
Electric Signals ◽  
Migration Response

Abstract Background: Cells show directed migration response to electric signals, namely electrotaxis or galvanotaxis. PI3K and PTEN jointly play counterbalancing roles in this event via a bilateral regulation of PIP3 signaling. PI3K has been proved essential in anterior signaling of electrotaxing cells, whilst the role of PTEN remains elusive.Methods: Dictyostelium cells with different genetic backgrounds were treated with direct current electric signals to investigate the genetic regulation of electrotaxis.Results: We demonstrated that electric signals promoted PTEN phosphatase activity and asymmetrical translocation to the posterior plasma membrane of the electrotaxing cells. Electric stimulation produced a similar but delayed rear redistribution of myosin II, immediately before electrotaxis started. Actin polymerization is required for the asymmetric membrane translocation of PTEN and myosin. PTEN signaling is also responsible for the asymmetric anterior redistribution of PIP3 / F-actin, and a biased redistribution of pseudopod protrusion in the forwarding direction of electrotaxing cells. Conclusions: PTEN controls electrotaxis by coordinately regulating asymmetric redistribution of myosin to the posterior, and PIP3/F-actin to the anterior region of the directed migration cells.

scholarly journals Generation of stress fibers through myosin-driven re-organization of the actin cortex

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI Lehtimäki ◽  
EK Rajakylä ◽  
S Tojkander ◽  
P Lappalainen
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Stress Fibers ◽  
Cell Cortex ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Actin Cortex ◽  
Muscle Myosin ◽  
Subsequent Stabilization

SummaryContractile actomyosin bundles, stress fibers, govern key cellular processes including migration, adhesion, and mechanosensing. Stress fibers are thus critical for developmental morphogenesis. The most prominent actomyosin bundles, ventral stress fibers, are generated through coalescence of pre-existing stress fiber precursors. However, whether stress fibers can assemble through other mechanisms has remained elusive. We report that stress fibers can also form without requirement of pre-existing actomyosin bundles. These structures, which we named cortical stress fibers, are embedded in the cell cortex and assemble preferentially underneath the nucleus. In this process, non-muscle myosin II pulses orchestrate the reorganization of cortical actin meshwork into regular bundles, which promote reinforcement of nascent focal adhesions, and subsequent stabilization of the cortical stress fibers. These results identify a new mechanism by which stress fibers can be generated de novo from the actin cortex, and establish role for stochastic myosin pulses in the assembly of functional actomyosin bundles.

scholarly journals Generation of stress fibers through myosin-driven reorganization of the actin cortex

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaakko I Lehtimäki ◽  
Eeva Kaisa Rajakylä ◽  
Sari Tojkander ◽  
Pekka Lappalainen
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Stress Fibers ◽  
Cell Cortex ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Actin Cortex ◽  
Muscle Myosin ◽  
Subsequent Stabilization

Contractile actomyosin bundles, stress fibers, govern key cellular processes including migration, adhesion, and mechanosensing. Stress fibers are thus critical for developmental morphogenesis. The most prominent actomyosin bundles, ventral stress fibers, are generated through coalescence of pre-existing stress fiber precursors. However, whether stress fibers can assemble through other mechanisms has remained elusive. We report that stress fibers can also form without requirement of pre-existing actomyosin bundles. These structures, which we named cortical stress fibers, are embedded in the cell cortex and assemble preferentially underneath the nucleus. In this process, non-muscle myosin II pulses orchestrate the reorganization of cortical actin meshwork into regular bundles, which promote reinforcement of nascent focal adhesions, and subsequent stabilization of the cortical stress fibers. These results identify a new mechanism by which stress fibers can be generated de novo from the actin cortex and establish role for stochastic myosin pulses in the assembly of functional actomyosin bundles.

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