Unconcerted conformational changes in Arp2/3 complex integrate multiple activating signals to assemble functional actin networks

Abstract

Arp2/3 complex nucleates branched actin filaments important for processes such as DNA repair, endocytosis, and cellular motility. Multiple factors are required to activate branching nucleation by Arp2/3 complex, including a WASP family protein and a pre-existing actin filament. Activation is achieved through two major conformational changes-subunit flattening and movement into the short pitch conformation-that allow the actin-related proteins (Arps) within the complex (Arp2 and Arp3) to mimic filamentous actin subunits, thereby templating new filament assembly. Some models suggest that these changes are concerted and stimulated cooperatively by WASP and actin filaments, but how Arp2/3 complex integrates signals from multiple factors to drive switch-like activation of branching nucleation has been unknown. Here, we use biochemical assays to show that instead of a concerted mechanism, signal integration by Arp2/3 complex occurs via distinct and unconcerted conformational changes; WASP stimulates the short pitch arrangement of Arp2 and Arp3, while actin filaments trigger a different activation step. An engineered Arp2/3 complex that bypasses the need for WASP but not actin filaments in activation potently assembles isotropic actin networks but fails to assemble sustained force-producing actin networks in bead motility assays. The engineered complex, which is crosslinked into the short pitch conformation, fails to target nucleation to the surface of the bead, creating unproductive branching events that deplete unpolymerized actin and halt assembly. Together, our data demonstrate the requirement for multifactor signal integration by Arp2/3 complex and highlight the importance of both the WASP- and actin filament-mediated activation steps in the assembly of functional actin networks.