Moesin controls cell-cell fusion and osteoclast function.

ABSTRACT: Cell-cell fusion is an evolutionarily conserved process that is essential for many functions, including the formation of bone-resorbing multinucleated osteoclasts. Osteoclast multinucleation involves dynamic interactions between the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane that are still poorly characterized. We found that moesin, a cytoskeletal linker protein member of the Ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM) protein family, plays a critical role in both osteoclast fusion and function. Moesin inhibition favors osteoclast multinucleation as well as HIV-1- and inflammation-induced cell fusion. Accordingly, moesin depletion decreases membrane-to-cortex attachment and enhances the formation of tunneling nanotubes, F-actin-based intercellular bridges triggering cell-cell fusion. In addition, moe

SUBMITTER: Dufrancais O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12558046 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature