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The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
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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
Summary
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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