Tensions on the actin cytoskeleton and apical cell junctions in the <i>C. elegans</i> spermatheca are influenced by spermathecal anatomy, ovulation state and activation of myosin.

ABSTRACT: Cells generate mechanical forces mainly through myosin motor activity on the actin cytoskeleton. In C. elegans, actomyosin stress fibers drive contractility of the smooth muscle-like cells of the spermatheca, a distensible, tube-shaped tissue in the hermaphrodite reproductive system and the site of oocyte fertilization. Stretching of the spermathecal cells by oocyte entry triggers activation of the small GTPase Rho. In this study, we asked how forces are distributed in vivo using the spermatheca, and explored how this tissue responds to alterations in myosin activity. Using laser ablation, we show that the basal actomyosin fibers are under tension in the occupied spermatheca. Reducing actomyosin contractility by depletion of the phospholipase C-ε/PLC-1 or non-muscle myosin II/NMY-1,

SUBMITTER: Sadeghian F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11398403 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature