WDR5 Stabilizes Actin Architecture to Promote Multiciliated Cell Formation
Saurabh S Kulkarni1, John N Griffin1, Priya P Date1
1Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Developmental Cell
|September 12, 2018
Summary
The chromatin modifier WDR5 stabilizes actin networks in multiciliated cells (MCCs). This study reveals a novel scaffolding role for WDR5, independent of its chromatin function, crucial for cell structure.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cytoskeletal Dynamics
- Molecular Mechanisms
Background:
- The actin cytoskeleton is essential for cell shape, organelle organization, and tissue development.
- In multiciliated cells (MCCs), apical actin supports cilia and organizes basal bodies, but its regulators are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify molecular regulators of apical F-actin architecture in MCCs.
- To investigate the role of WDR5 in MCCs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic and biochemical approaches in MCCs.
- Employed a G-actin monomer trap to assess F-actin stabilization.
- Investigated WDR5's interaction with basal bodies and F-actin.
Main Results:
- Identified WDR5 as a regulator of apical F-actin in MCCs.
- Demonstrated a non-chromatin scaffolding function for WDR5.
- Showed WDR5 stabilizes F-actin, maintaining the apical lattice structure.
Conclusions:
- WDR5 plays a critical role in stabilizing F-actin in MCCs through a novel scaffolding mechanism.
- This function is independent of WDR5's known chromatin-modifying activities.
- WDR5 is essential for maintaining the architectural integrity of the apical actin network in MCCs.
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