ECM-dependent regulation of septin 7 in focal adhesions promotes mechanosensing and functional response in fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT: Fibroblasts are adherent cells that maintain tissue homeostasis by sensing and responding to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Focal adhesions (FAs) link these ECM changes to actomyosin dynamics through changes in its composition, influencing cellular response. Septin-7 (Sept-7) has previously been found in FA proteomics studies and shown to influence ECM sensing. Using total internal reflection microscopy, we found that ECM-mediated integrin activation regulates spatially distinct Sept-7 structures in FAs. In perinuclear regions, ECM binding stabilized Sept-7 bundles at the back of FAs, while in the core of peripheral FAs high integrin activation promoted elongation of Sept-7 structures. Ventral Sept-7 structures were crucial for ECM sensing, impacting region-specific FA elongation, stabili

SUBMITTER: Sturgess W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11625310 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature