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The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
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Actomyosin contractility modulates Wnt signaling through adherens junction stability

Eric T Hall1, Elizabeth Hoesing1, Endre Sinkovics1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|December 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Increased actomyosin contractility, driven by nonmuscle myosin II, inhibits Wnt signaling by sequestering beta-catenin at cell junctions. This impacts gene transcription and tissue development.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Actomyosin contractility plays a role in Wnt signaling, affecting processes like mesoderm differentiation and tissue stiffness in tumorigenesis.
  • Nonmuscle myosin II activation and cellular contraction are implicated in regulating gene transcription.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism by which actomyosin contractility influences Wnt target gene transcription in Drosophila imaginal disks.
  • To elucidate the role of myosin-induced F-actin accumulation and E-cadherin clustering in Wnt pathway regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic interaction studies in Drosophila imaginal disks.
  • Analysis of F-actin, E-cadherin, and beta-catenin localization.
  • Modulation of myosin phosphatase activity.

Main Results:

  • Increased nonmuscle myosin II activation and cellular contraction inhibited Wnt target gene transcription.
  • Myosin activity led to F-actin accumulation, E-cadherin clustering at adherens junctions, and beta-catenin sequestration.
  • Reduced cytoplasmic beta-catenin levels impaired Wnt target gene transcription.

Conclusions:

  • Actomyosin contractility dynamically regulates Wnt transcription patterning during development.
  • This mechanism is crucial for maintaining epithelial tissue integrity in organisms.
  • The findings provide insight into the interplay between cytoskeletal dynamics and developmental signaling pathways.

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