Cytoskeleton Tension Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Culture Reduces Cell Size By Increasing Vesicle Excretion.

Our previous study has shown that three-dimensional (3D) culture decreases mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) size, leading to enhanced trafficking ability and reduced lung vascular obstructions. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we proposed that 3D culture reduces MSC size by increasing vesicle excretion. Scanning electron microscope showed that 3D culture markedly increased the amount of membrane-bound vesicles on the cell surface. In consistence, tunable resistive pulse sensing quantifying analysis of vesicles in the culture medium indicated that there were higher levels of vesicles in the 3D culture MSC medium. 3D culture significantly lowered the level of actin polymerization (F-actin), suggestive of lowering actin skeleton tension may facilitate vesicle excretion. Indeed, treatment of MSCs with Cytochalasin D or functional blockade of integrin β1 caused increased vesicle secretion and decreased cell sizes. Thus, our results suggest that 3D culture reduces MSC size by increasing vesicle excretion which is likely mediated by lowering cytoskeleton tension. Stem Cells 2018;36:286-292.

Immunomodulation effect of a hierarchical macropore/nanosurface on osteogenesis and angiogenesis

Immune systems play pivotal roles in determining the in vivo osseointegration of bone implants. While much evidence has shown that hierarchical implant surfaces can exhibit excellent osteogenic ability, their immune response has not been well elucidated, which will preclude accurate knowledge of their osseointegration performance. In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of a hierarchical macropore/nanosurface as well as the detailed mechanism was investigated. Macrophages were found to switch to M2 phenotype on the hierarchical surface, and decreased levels of inflammatory gene expression as well as increased expression of anti-inflammatory genes were endowed, which were probably regulated by the decisive role of cytoskeleton tension induced by specific cell shape. In addition, enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells could be observed when stimulated by a RAW cells/hierarchical surface conditioned medium, which were probably due to increased expression of BMP-2 and VEGF of RAW cells, respectively. These findings give comprehensive knowledge into detailed mechanism of the immunomodulatory behavior of the hierarchical surface, which will also provide insight into the surface design of advanced bone biomaterials with satisfactory immunomodulation properties.

3D culture increases pluripotent gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells through relaxation of cytoskeleton tension.

Three‐dimensional (3D) culture has been shown to improve pluripotent gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but the underlining mechanisms were poorly understood. Here, we found that the relaxation of cytoskeleton tension of MSCs in 3D culture was critically associated with the expressional up‐regulation of Nanog. Cultured in spheroids, MSCs showed decreased integrin‐based cell–matrix adhesion but increased cadherin‐based cell–cell interaction. Different from that in 2D culture, where MSCs exhibited branched and multiple‐directed F‐actin stress bundles at the cell edge and strengthened stress fibres transversing the cell body, MSCs cultured in spheroids showed compact cell body, relaxed cytoskeleton tension with very thin cortical actin filament outlining the cell, and increased expression of Nanog along with reduced levels of Suv39h1 (H3K9 methyltransferase) and H3K9me3. Notably, pharmaceutical inhibition of actin polymerization with cytochalasin D or silencing Suv39h1 expression with siRNA in 2D‐cultured MSCs elevated the expression of Nanog via H3K9 demethylation. Thus, our data suggest that 3D culture increases the expression of Nanog through the relaxation of actin cytoskeleton, which mediates reduced Suv39h1 and H3K9me3 levels.

YAP-mediated mechanotransduction regulates osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs on hierarchical structure

Hierarchical structure mimicking the natural bone microenvironment has been considered as a promising platform to regulate cell functions. We have previously fabricated hierarchical macropore/nanowire structure and evidence has shown that it can better manipulate the cytoskeleton status and osteogenic performance of osteoblasts. However, how cues of hierarchical structure are translated and ultimately linked to BMSC lineage commitment have still remained elusive, which hinders the accurate knowledge and further development of the hierarchical structure. In this study, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) fate on hierarchical structure was investigated as well as the detailed mechanisms. It was shown that well-developed cytoskeleton and focal adhesion were observed for BMSCs on hierarchical structure, which was accompanied by enhanced osteogenic and depressed adipogenic potential. Evidence of increased YAP activity and nuclear translocation were exhibited on hierarchical structure and YAP knockdown inhibited osteogenic differentiation and promoted adipogenic differentiation induced by hierarchical structure. Further remove of cytoskeleton tension inhibited YAP function, which confirmed the key role of YAP-mediated mechanotransduction in the BMSC differentiation. These results together provide information of the stem cell fate commitment on hierarchical structure and a promising approach to design advanced biomaterials by focusing on specific mechanotransduction process.

Abstract 5053: Tumor cell clustering - Identification of new regulators

Abstract Cancer cell aggregation is a key process involved at different stages of tumor evolution, during primary tumor growth, metastatic cells dissemination and secondary tumor evolution. Thus, understanding principles that govern and modulate the ability of cancer cells to aggregate might pave the way for new therapeutic opportunities. We investigated cancer cell aggregation independently of cell migration or matrix adhesion and demonstrated that the cell-cell adhesion protein E-cadherin and the desmosome proteins DSG2 and DSC2 are both involved this process (Saias, 2015). Strikingly, elevated expression of these proteins in primary tumors has also been reported to be associated with blood detection of clusters of highly metastatic circulating tumor cells and poor prognosis (Aceto, 2014). We also reported that Myosin IIa applies a counter force that slows down aggregation indicating that acto-myosin cytoskeleton tension favors aggregation. To further decipher the regulation of this process, we developed arrays of hydrogel microwells and robust microscopy-based quantification assay to monitor the kinetics of aggregation of tumor cells in the absence of cell - substrate adhesion. We performed a candidate approach and found that several other members of the cadherin superfamily are involved in the aggregation process. We also conducted a small molecule screen to identify other pathways involved in regulating aggregation of tumor cells. We will report unpublished results on the characterization of the molecular bases of aggregation properties in various tumor cell types and on the identification of new regulatory mechanisms that modulate this process. - Saias L, Gomes A, Cazales M, Ducommun B, Lobjois V. Cell-cell adhesion and cytoskeleton tension oppose each other in regulating tumor cell aggregation. Cancer Res. (2015) 75(12); 1-8 - Aceto N, Bardia A, Miyamoto DT, Donaldson MC, Wittner BS, Spencer JA, et al. Circulating tumor cell clusters are oligoclonal precursors of breast cancer metastasis. Cell 2014;158:1110-22. Citation Format: Valérie LOBJOIS, Bernard Ducommun. Tumor cell clustering - Identification of new regulators. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 5053.

Mechanosensitive subcellular rheostasis drives emergent single-cell mechanicalhomeostasis.

Mechanical homeostasis - a fundamental process by which cells maintain stable states under environmental perturbations - is regulated by two subcellular mechanotransducers: cytoskeleton tension and integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs)1-5. Here, we show that single-cell mechanical homeostasis is collectively driven by the distinct, graduated dynamics (rheostasis) of subcellular cytoskeleton tension and FAs. Such rheostasis involves a mechanosensitive pattern wherein ground states of cytoskeleton tension and FA determine their distinct reactive paths via either relaxation or reinforcement. Pharmacological perturbations of the cytoskeleton and molecularly modulated integrin catch-slip bonds biased the rheostasis and induced non-homeostasis of FAs, but not of cytoskeleton tension, suggesting a unique sensitivity of FAs in regulating homeostasis. Theoretical modeling revealed myosin-mediated cytoskeleton contractility and catch-slip-bond-like behaviors in FAs and the cytoskeleton as sufficient and necessary mechanisms for quantitatively recapitulating mechanosensitive rheostasis. Our findings highlight previously underappreciated physical nature of the mechanical homeostasis of cells.

Bio-inspired micropatterned hydrogel to direct and deconstruct hierarchical processing of geometry-force signals by human mesenchymal stem cells during smooth muscle cell differentiation

Micropatterned biomaterial-based hydrogel platforms allow the recapitulation of in vivo-like microstructural and biochemical features that are critical physiological regulators of stem cell development. Herein, we report the use of muscle mimicking geometries patterned on polyacrylamide hydrogels as an effective strategy to induce smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSCs were systemically coerced to elongate with varying aspect ratios (AR) (that is, 1:1, 5:1, 10:1 and 15:1) at a fixed projection area of ~7000 μm2. The results showed engineered cellular anisotropy with an intermediate AR 5:1 and AR 10:1, promoting the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and enhancement of contractile output. Further mechanistic studies indicated that a threshold cell traction force of ~3.5 μN was required for SMC differentiation. Beyond the critical cytoskeleton tension, hMSCs respond to higher intracellular architectural cues such as the stress fiber (SF) alignment, SF subtype expression and diphosphorylated myosin regulatory light-chain activity to promote the expression and incorporation of α-SMA to the SF scaffold. These findings underscore the importance of exploiting biomimetic geometrical cues as an effective strategy to guide hMSC differentiation and are expected to guide the rational design of advanced tissue-engineered vascular grafts. Muscle-mimicking geometries patterned on hydrogel facilitate the acquisition of a smooth-muscle-cell-like phenotype from human stem cells. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a valuable source of cells for regenerative medicine. Now, researchers in Singapore and China have examined the complex interdependence of engineered cell shape and human transforming growth factor beta-1 treatment to direct smooth muscle cells differentiation of MSCs. They discovered that geometries resembling those of human smooth muscle cells provide the optimal shape for the expression and recruitment of the mechano-sensitive protein α-smooth muscle actin to the filamentous actin cytoskeleton. Based on these results, the researchers proposed an elegant model to describe the decision-making process that human MSCs take during differentiation into smooth muscle cells. The findings highlight the importance of using biomimetic cues for guiding differentiation of human MSCs. Inspired by the intrinsic morphology of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), a micropatterned hydrogel is developed to direct and define the boundary conditions for efficient SMC differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results show that in conjunction with TGF-β1 treatment, muscle-mimicking shapes with intermediate aspect ratios ranging from 5:1 to 10:1 exert the strongest pro-SMC differentiation effects in a structural–contractile force-dependent manner. These findings are expected to provide critical insights and design rules for vascular-related engineered tissue grafts.

Cell-Cell Adhesion and Cytoskeleton Tension Oppose Each Other in Regulating Tumor Cell Aggregation.

Cell aggregation is frequently impaired during the growth of primary tumors and the formation of metastatic lesions. Cell aggregation depends on cell-cell adhesion; however, no rigorous approach exists to monitor and quantify it accurately in the absence of the confounding factors of cell-substrate adhesion and the resulting cell motility on the substrate. We report here a highly reproducible, automated, microscopy-based quantification of tumor-cell spheroid formation in the absence of cell-substrate adhesion and use it to characterize cell aggregation dynamics in the early steps of this process. This method is based on fluorescence and bright-field microscopy and on a custom MATLAB program to quantify automatically the cells' aggregation kinetics. We demonstrate that the cell-cell adhesion protein E-cadherin and the desmosome proteins DSG2 and DSC2 are important for aggregation. Furthermore, we show that inhibition or silencing of myosin IIa enhances aggregation, suggesting that cytoskeleton tension inhibits tumor cell aggregation. This work opens new avenues to study the principles that govern multicellular aggregation, to characterize the aggregation properties of various tumor cell types, as well as to screen for drugs that inhibit or promote aggregation.

Spectrin regulates Hippo signaling by modulating cortical actomyosin activity.

The Hippo pathway controls tissue growth through a core kinase cascade that impinges on the transcription of growth-regulatory genes. Understanding how this pathway is regulated in development remains a major challenge. Recent studies suggested that Hippo signaling can be modulated by cytoskeletal tension through a Rok-myosin II pathway. How cytoskeletal tension is regulated or its relationship to the other known upstream regulators of the Hippo pathway remains poorly defined. In this study, we identify spectrin, a contractile protein at the cytoskeleton-membrane interface, as an upstream regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway. We show that, in contrast to canonical upstream regulators such as Crumbs, Kibra, Expanded, and Merlin, spectrin regulates Hippo signaling in a distinct way by modulating cortical actomyosin activity through non-muscle myosin II. These results uncover an essential mediator of Hippo signaling by cytoskeleton tension, providing a new entry point to dissecting how mechanical signals regulate Hippo signaling in living tissues.

Compliant semiconductor scaffolds: building blocks for advanced neural interfaces.

Compliant semiconductor scaffolds: building blocks for advanced neural interfaces.

Polarizing cytoskeletal tension to induce leader cell formation during collective cell migration

The collective migration of cells is fundamental to epithelial biology. One of the hallmarks of collective behavior in migrating cohesive epithelial cell sheets is the emergence of so called leader cells. These cells exhibit a distinct morphology with a large and highly active lamellipodium. Although it is generally accepted that they play a crucial part in collective migration, the biophysical factors that regulate their formation remain unknown.Here we show that a geometry-based cue like local variation of curvature of the collective's perimeter is capable of triggering leader cell formation and promoting enhanced motility at defined positions. Remarkably, the extent of this effect scales with the magnitude of the curvature.Cytoskeletal tension was found to be important for geometry induced leader cell formation, as cells treated with tension reducing agents appeared less sensitive to local curvature variation. Accordingly, traction force microscopy revealed an increased level of shear stress at highly curved positions even before the cell migration had actually started, indicating the presence of a collective polarization induced by the geometry of the confinement.Together our findings suggest that high curvature leads to locally increased stress accumulation, mediated via cell-substrate interaction as well as via cytoskeleton tension. The stress accumulation in turn enhances the probability of leader cell formation as well as cell motility. This work defines the importance of geometric cue such as local curvature in the collective migration dynamics of epithelial cells and thus shows implications for the biophysical regulation of epithelium during wound healing, embryonic development, and oncogenesis.

Adipogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells may be regulated via the cytoskeleton at physiological oxygen levels in vitro

IntroductionObesity, which is excessive expansion of white adipose tissue, is a major risk factor for several serious health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Efforts to combat obesity and related diseases require understanding the basic biology of adipogenesis. However, in vitro studies do not result in lipid composition and morphology that are typically seen in vivo, likely because the in vitro conditions are not truly representative of in vivo adipose tissue formation. In vitro, low oxygen tension and cytoskeletal tension have been shown to independently regulate adipogenesis, but in vivo, these two factors simultaneously influence differentiation.MethodsThe purpose of our study was to examine the influence of physiological oxygen tension on cytoskeletal tension-mediated adipogenesis. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were differentiated under both ambient (20%) and physiological (5%) oxygen conditions and treated with cytoskeletal inhibitors, cytochalasin D or blebbistatin. Adipogenesis was assessed on the basis of gene expression and adipocyte metabolic function.ResultsAdipose tissue metabolic markers (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and triglycerides) were significantly down-regulated by physiological oxygen levels. Reducing cytoskeletal tension through the use of chemical inhibitors, either cytochalasin D or blebbistatin, resulted in an up-regulation of adipogenic gene expression (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4)) and metabolic markers, regardless of oxygen levels. Cytochalasin D and blebbistatin treatment altered cytoskeletal organization and associated tension via different mechanisms; however, both conditions had similar effects on adipogenesis, suggesting that physiological oxygen-mediated regulation of adipogenesis in ASCs is modulated, in part, by cytoskeletal tension.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that interactions between the cytoskeleton and oxygen tension influence adipogenic differentiation of ASCs.

Fluxes of Water through Aquaporin 9 Weaken Membrane-Cytoskeleton Anchorage and Promote Formation of Membrane Protrusions

All modes of cell migration require rapid rearrangements of cell shape, allowing the cell to navigate within narrow spaces in an extracellular matrix. Thus, a highly flexible membrane and a dynamic cytoskeleton are crucial for rapid cell migration. Cytoskeleton dynamics and tension also play instrumental roles in the formation of different specialized cell membrane protrusions, viz. lamellipodia, filopodia, and membrane blebs. The flux of water through membrane-anchored water channels, known as aquaporins (AQPs) has recently been implicated in the regulation of cell motility, and here we provide novel evidence for the role of AQP9 in the development of various forms of membrane protrusion. Using multiple imaging techniques and cellular models we show that: (i) AQP9 induced and accumulated in filopodia, (ii) AQP9-associated filopodial extensions preceded actin polymerization, which was in turn crucial for their stability and dynamics, and (iii) minute, local reductions in osmolarity immediately initiated small dynamic bleb-like protrusions, the size of which correlated with the reduction in osmotic pressure. Based on this, we present a model for AQP9-induced membrane protrusion, where the interplay of water fluxes through AQP9 and actin dynamics regulate the cellular protrusive and motile activity of cells.

RhoA GTPase interacts with beta-catenin signaling in clinorotated osteoblasts

Bone is a dynamic tissue under constant remodeling in response to various signals including mechanical loading. A lack of proper mechanical loading induces disuse osteoporosis that reduces bone mass and structural integrity. The β-catenin signaling together with a network of GTPases is known to play a primary role in load-driven bone formation, but little is known about potential interactions of β-catenin signaling and GTPases in bone loss. In this study, we addressed a question: Does unloading suppress an activation level of RhoA GTPase and β-catenin signaling in osteoblasts? If yes, what is the role of RhoA GTPase and actin filaments in osteoblasts in regulating β-catenin signaling? Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique with a biosensor for RhoA together with a fluorescent T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) reporter, we examined the effects of clinostat-driven simulated unloading. The results revealed that both RhoA activity and TCF/LEF activity were downregulated by unloading. Reduction in RhoA activity was correlated to a decrease in cytoskeletal organization of actin filaments. Inhibition of β-catenin signaling blocked unloading-induced RhoA suppression, and dominant negative RhoA inhibited TCF/LEF suppression. On the other hand, a constitutively active RhoA enhanced unloading-induced reduction of TCF/LEF activity. The TCF/LEF suppression by unloading was enhanced by co-culture with osteocytes, but it was independent on the organization of actin filaments, myosin II activity, or a myosin light chain kinase. Collectively, the results suggest that β-catenin signaling is required for unloading-driven regulation of RhoA, and RhoA, but not actin cytoskeleton or intracellular tension, mediates the responsiveness of β-catenin signaling to unloading.

The Hippo pathway: regulators and regulations.

Control of cell number is crucial in animal development and tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation may result in tumor formation or organ degeneration. The Hippo pathway in both Drosophila and mammals regulates cell number by modulating cell proliferation, cell death, and cell differentiation. Recently, numerous upstream components involved in the Hippo pathway have been identified, such as cell polarity, mechanotransduction, and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. Actin cytoskeleton or cellular tension appears to be the master mediator that integrates and transmits upstream signals to the core Hippo signaling cascade. Here, we review regulatory mechanisms of the Hippo pathway and discuss potential implications involved in different physiological and pathological conditions.

Cytoskeletal tension modulates MMP-1 gene expression from tenocytes on micropillar substrates

Actin cytoskeletons, aggregated with myosin II, generate intracellular cytoskeletal tension, which is induced to cell attaching substrate as cell traction forces. It is thought that cytoskeletal tension links closely to cell functions. The present study examined quantitative relationships between cytoskeleton tension and the balance of cell metabolism of tenocytes. Using micromachining techniques, micropillar substrates were prepared with polydimethylsiloxane, having three different values of substrate elasticity (6, 18 and 33kPa) by changing the micropillar height. After 24h incubation of bovine tenocytes on these micropillar substrates, cell traction forces were determined. Gene expressions for type I collagen (anabolic marker) and MMP-1 (catabolic marker) from tenocytes on micropillars were also analyzed with qPCR. In addition, effects of an inhibition of myosin II activity on tenocyte cytoskeletal tension and metabolism were examined using the inhibitor, blebbistatin. It was exhibited that cell traction forces were significantly larger in tenocytes on 33kPa substrates compared to those on 6kPa substrates. This was associated with significant lower expression of MMP-1 mRNA on 33kPa substrates. Cell traction forces were decreased significantly by the supplementation of blebbistatin in a dose-dependent manner. Indeed, there were significant smaller traction forces and higher expression for MMP-1 mRNA from tenocytes treated with 10μM blebbistatin compared to their corresponding controls. Accordingly, tenocyte responses to substrate stiffness are associated with alterations in intracellular tension and catabolic gene expression. On the other hand, tenocyte anabolism, as measured by type I collagen mRNA expression, was not altered with substrate stiffness.

Real‐time observation of cytoskeletal stresses and subsequent focal adhesion remodeling in live cells

Cytoskeletal stresses are important regulators of cell adhesion, migration and growth. While cytoskeleton tension has been shown to promote the development of adhesions, the force transduction mechanism remains unclear, because it requires a measurement of cytoskeletal stresses in live cells. We have developed a group of stress sensitive FRET probes that can be inserted into cross‐linking proteins of the cytoskeleton to measure the stresses in live cells. By co‐expressing FRET probes in actinin and fluorescence labeled paxillin, we simultaneously observed the time‐dependent changes in cytoskeletal stresses and the dynamics of its linking focal adhesions. We show that an increase in cytoskeletal stress at the focal adhesions results in an elongation of the adhesions in the direction of force, and a decrease of local force causes disassembly of the adhesions. The orientation of the adhesion sites maintains parallel with the stress fibers at the cell‐cell contacts. At the open edge, a highly active protrusion is followed by the formation of periphery actin bundles and the rotation of associated adhesions. Interestingly, the change of orientation of adhesions appears to be directed by the force in the stress fibers, involving a separation of actin fibers from adhesion sites and a stress directed lateral displacement of adhesions. These results provide the direct observation of the force transduction at focal adhesions.

Nanopatterning Reveals an ECM Area Threshold for Focal Adhesion Assembly and Force Transmission that is regulated by Integrin Activation and Cytoskeleton Tension

Integrin-based focal adhesions (FA) transmit anchorage and traction forces between the cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM). To gain further insight into the physical parameters of the ECM that control FA assembly and force transduction in non-migrating cells, we used fibronectin (FN) nanopatterning within a cell adhesion-resistant background to establish the threshold area of ECM ligand required for stable FA assembly and force transduction. Integrin-FN clustering and adhesive force were strongly modulated by the geometry of the nanoscale adhesive area. Individual nanoisland area, not the number of nanoislands or total adhesive area, controlled integrin-FN clustering and adhesion strength. Importantly, below an area threshold (0.11 µm(2)), very few integrin-FN clusters and negligible adhesive forces were generated. We then asked whether this adhesive area threshold could be modulated by intracellular pathways known to influence either adhesive force, cytoskeletal tension, or the structural link between the two. Expression of talin- or vinculin-head domains that increase integrin activation or clustering overcame this nanolimit for stable integrin-FN clustering and increased adhesive force. Inhibition of myosin contractility in cells expressing a vinculin mutant that enhances cytoskeleton-integrin coupling also restored integrin-FN clustering below the nanolimit. We conclude that the minimum area of integrin-FN clusters required for stable assembly of nanoscale FA and adhesive force transduction is not a constant; rather it has a dynamic threshold that results from an equilibrium between pathways controlling adhesive force, cytoskeletal tension, and the structural linkage that transmits these forces, allowing the balance to be tipped by factors that regulate these mechanical parameters.

Effects of polar cortical cytoskeleton and unbalanced cortical surface tension on intercellular bridge thinning during cytokinesis

To probe the contributions of polar cortical cytoskeleton and the surface tension of daughter cells to intercellular bridge thinning dynamics during cytokinesis, we applied cytochalasin D (CD) or colchicine (COLC) in a highly localized manner to polar regions of dividing normal rat kidney (NRK) cells. We observed cellular morphological changes and analyzed the intercellular bridge thinning trajectories of dividing cells with different polar cortical characteristics. Global blebbistatin (BS) application was used to obtain cells losing active contractile force groups. Our results show that locally released CD or colchicine at the polar region caused inhibition of cytokinesis before ingression. Similar treatment at phases after ingression allowed completion of cytokinesis but dramatically influenced the trajectories of intercellular bridge thinning. Disturbing single polar cortical actin induced transformation of the intercellular bridge thinning process, and polar cortical tension controlled deformation time of intercellular bridges. Our study provides a feasible framework to induce and analyze the effects of local changes in mechanical properties of cellular components on single cellular cytokinesis.

Unconventional Processive Mechanics of Non-muscle Myosin IIB

Proper tension maintenance in the cytoskeleton is essential for regulated cell polarity, cell motility, and division. Non-muscle myosin IIB (NMIIB) generates tension along actin filaments in many cell types, including neuronal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells. Using a three-bead optical trapping assay, we recorded NMIIB interactions with actin filaments to determine if a NMIIB dimer cycles along an actin filament in a processive manner. Our results show that NMIIB is the first myosin II to exhibit evidence of processive stepping behavior. Analysis of these data reveals a forward displacement of 5.4 nm and, surprisingly, frequent backward steps of -5.9 nm. Processive stepping along the long pitch helix of actin may provide a mechanism for disassembly of fascin-actin bundles. Forward steps and detachment are weakly force-dependent at all forces, consistent with rate-limiting and force-dependent ADP release. However, backward steps are nearly force-independent. Our data support a model in which NMIIB can readily move in both directions at stall, which may be important for a general regulator of cytoskeleton tension.