Analysis of the local organization and dynamics of cellular actin networks

Weiwei Luo, Cheng han Yu, Zi Zhao Lieu, Jun Allard, Alex Mogilner, Michael P. Sheetz, Alexander D. Bershadsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A ctin filaments, with the aid of multiple accessory proteins, self-assemble into a variety of network patterns. We studied the organization and dynamics of the actin network in nonadhesive regions of cells bridging fibronectin-coated adhesive strips. The network was formed by actin nodes associated with and linked by myosin II and containing the formin disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) and the crosslinker filamin A (FlnA). After Latrunculin A (LatA) addition, actin nodes appeared to be more prominent and demonstrated drift-diffusion motion. Superresolution microscopy revealed that, in untreated cells, DAAM1 formed patches with a similar spatial arrangement to the actin nodes. Node movement (diffusion coefficient and velocity) in LatA-treated cells was dependent on the level and activity of myosin IIA, DAAM1, and FlnA. Based on our results, we developed a computational model of the dynamic formin-filamin-actin asters that can self-organize into a contractile actomyosin network. We suggest that such networks are critical for connecting distant parts of the cell to maintain the mechanical coherence of the cytoplasm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1057-1073
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume202
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

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