Discoidin 1, a traditional lectin, acts within the cell non-traditionally

Abstract

Many biological processes entail the ability of cells to sense and adapt to its physical surroundings, which, in turn, requires cells to exert robust cell shape changes. To complete such modifications, cells need to integrate internal and external cues through a contractility machinery that includes actin filaments, myosin II (MyoII) motors, crosslinkers and other scaffolding proteins. We define this extensive network of proteins as the mechanobiome. Using Dictyostelium discoideum, we identified biochemical interactors of the mechanobiome that potentially contribute to the activity and integrity of the system.