Cytosolic actin isoforms form networks with different rheological properties that indicate specific biological function.

ABSTRACT: The implications of the existence of different actins expressed in epithelial cells for network mechanics and dynamics is investigated by microrheology and confocal imaging. γ-actin predominately found in the apical cortex forms stiffer networks compared to β-actin, which is preferentially organized in stress fibers. We attribute this to selective interactions with Mg²⁺-ions interconnecting the filaments' N-termini. Bundling propensity of the isoforms is different in the presence of Mg²⁺-ions, while crosslinkers such as α-actinin, fascin, and heavy meromyosin alter the mechanical response independent of the isoform. In the presence of myosin, β-actin networks show a large number of small contraction foci, while γ-actin displays larger but fewer foci indicative of a st

SUBMITTER: Nietmann P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10693642 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature