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Actin polymerization induces a shape change in actin-containing vesicles.

J D Cortese¹, B Schwab, C Frieden

¹Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|August 1, 1989

Summary

Researchers created cell-sized lipid vesicles containing actin filaments to model cell mechanics. Actin polymerization deformed these vesicles, revealing insights into cell shape and cytoskeleton organization.

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Understanding cell shape and mechanics is crucial in biology.
The cytoskeleton, particularly actin filaments, plays a key role in cell structure and function.
Existing models often lack the complexity to fully replicate cellular behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel in vitro model system using lipid vesicles encapsulating actin filaments.
To investigate the role of actin polymerization and actin-binding proteins in deforming these vesicles.
To explore membrane-cytoskeleton interactions and their impact on cellular mechanics.

Main Methods:

Encapsulation of actin filaments and actin-binding proteins within lipid vesicles of cell-like dimensions.
Utilizing optical microscopy and mechanical techniques to analyze vesicle behavior.

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Observing vesicle shape changes induced by actin polymerization and the effects of specific proteins like gelsolin and filamin.

Main Results:

Actin polymerization within vesicles induced significant shape deformations, transitioning from spherical to irregular forms.
A minimum average actin filament length of approximately 0.5 microns was required for vesicle deformation, as evidenced by gelsolin's effects.
Filamin, a crosslinking protein, resulted in a smoother vesicle surface appearance.
Interactions between actin filaments, modulated by gelsolin and filamin, led to heterogeneous internal distributions.

Conclusions:

These actin-filled vesicles serve as a valuable model for studying cell shape control and cytoskeletal organization.
The system allows for detailed investigation of membrane-cytoskeleton interactions.
Provides a platform for understanding the mechanical properties and cytomechanics of cells.