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Microtubule depolymerization induces traction force increase through two distinct pathways

Andrew Rape1, Wei-hui Guo, Yu-li Wang

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 700 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.

Journal of Cell Science
|December 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Microtubule depolymerization increases cell traction forces via two pathways: one myosin II-dependent and FAK-independent, the other FAK-regulated and myosin II-independent, revealing complex force regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Mechanobiology

Background:

  • Traction forces are crucial for cell functions.
  • The role of myosin II in microtubule depolymerization-induced force changes is not fully understood.
  • Signaling pathways regulating cellular forces require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the signaling mechanisms behind increased traction forces after microtubule depolymerization.
  • To determine the dependence of this response on myosin II and focal adhesion kinase (FAK).

Main Methods:

  • Traction force microscopy was employed on cells cultured on micropatterned hydrogels.
  • Nocodazole was used to induce microtubule depolymerization.
  • Pharmacological inhibitors for myosin II and FAK were utilized.

Main Results:

  • Microtubule depolymerization increased traction forces.
  • Inhibition of myosin II did not prevent this force increase.
  • Inhibition of FAK abolished the force increase.
  • The response was independent of FAK in control cells but FAK-dependent when myosin II was inhibited.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubule depolymerization activates distinct, complementary pathways regulating traction forces.
  • A myosin II-dependent, FAK-independent pathway contributes to force regulation.
  • A myosin II-independent, FAK-regulated pathway also enhances traction forces.

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