Friction patterns guide actin network contraction

Alexandra Colin, Magali Orhant-Prioux, Christophe Guérin, Mariya Savinov, Wenxiang Cao, Benoit Vianay, Ilaria Scarfone, Aurélien Roux, Enrique M. De La Cruz, Alex Mogilner, Manuel Théry, Laurent Blanchoin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The shape of cells is the outcome of the balance of inner forces produced by the actomyosin network and the resistive forces produced by cell adhesion to their environment. The specific contributions of contractile, anchoring and friction forces to network deformation rate and orientation are difficult to disentangle in living cells where they influence each other. Here, we reconstituted contractile actomyosin networks in vitro to study specifically the role of the friction forces between the network and its anchoring substrate. To modulate the magnitude and spatial distribution of friction forces, we used glass or lipids surface micropatterning to control the initial shape of the network. We adapted the concentration of Nucleating Promoting Factor on each surface to induce the assembly of actin networks of similar densities and compare the deformation of the network toward the centroid of the pattern shape upon myosin-induced contraction. We found that actin network deformation was faster and more coordinated on lipid bilayers than on glass, showing the resistance of friction to network contraction. To further study the role of the spatial distribution of these friction forces, we designed heterogeneous micropatterns made of glass and lipids. The deformation upon contraction was no longer symmetric but biased toward the region of higher friction. Furthermore, we showed that the pattern of friction could robustly drive network contraction and dominate the contribution of asymmetric distributions of myosins. Therefore, we demonstrate that during contraction, both the active and resistive forces are essential to direct the actin network deformation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2300416120
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume120
Issue number39
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • actin
  • contraction
  • cytoskeleton
  • friction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Friction patterns guide actin network contraction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this