Nanoscale Architecture of the Cortical Actin Cytoskeleton in Embryonic Stem Cells

Cell Reports
Shumin XiaPakorn Kanchanawong

Abstract

Mechanical cues influence pluripotent stem cell differentiation, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) exhibit unusual cytomechanical properties, including low cell stiffness and attenuated responses to substrate rigidity, but the underlying structural basis remains obscure. Using super-resolution microscopy to investigate the actin cytoskeleton in mESCs, we observed that the actin cortex consists of a distinctively sparse and isotropic network. Surprisingly, the architecture and mechanics of the mESC actin cortex appear to be largely myosin II-independent. The network density can be modulated by perturbing Arp2/3 and formin, whereas capping protein (CP) negatively regulates cell stiffness. Transient Arp2/3-containing aster-like structures are implicated in the organization and mechanical homeostasis of the cortical network. By generating a low-density network that physically excludes myosin II, the interplay between Arp2/3, formin, and CP governs the nanoscale architecture of the actin cortex and prescribes the cytomechanical properties of mESCs.

Citations

Oct 24, 2019·The Journal of Cell Biology·Tao Jiang, Tony J C Harris
Dec 19, 2019·American Journal of Physiology. Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology·Morgan GazzolaYnuk Bossé
Oct 22, 2020·Journal of Nanobiotechnology·Ines LüchtefeldMassimo Vassalli
Oct 26, 2020·The Journal of Investigative Dermatology·Matthias HiermaierVolker Spindler
Mar 16, 2021·Journal of the Royal Society, Interface·Sedigheh Ghanbarzadeh NodehiFarshid Mohammad-Rafiee
Apr 10, 2021·FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·Daniel A D FlormannFranziska Lautenschläger
Apr 2, 2021·Biophysical Journal·Feyza Nur ArslanCarl-Philipp Heisenberg
May 18, 2021·Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·Bugra Özdemir, Ralf Reski

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Birth Defects

Birth defects encompass structural and functional alterations that occur during embryonic or fetal development and are present since birth. The cause may be genetic, environmental or unknown and can result in physical and/or mental impairment. Here is the latest research on birth defects.