Mechanometabolism of cell adhesion: Vinculin regulates bioenergetics via RhoA-ROCK.

ABSTRACT: Cell migration and cytoskeletal remodeling are energetically demanding processes. Reorganizing the cytoskeleton requires ATP to fuel the actomyosin complex, enabling cells to adhere to and migrate through a matrix. While it is known that energy is required for cell migration, the mechanism by which cell-extracellular matrix adhesion influences cell energetics is unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and cellular metabolic state with a focus on vinculin given its role in connecting the cytoskeleton to focal adhesions and extracellular space. Knocking out vinculin increases the metabolic activity in cells and results in fast, frequent Rho kinase activity-dependent changes in cell shape and protrusions. The cellular protrusion dynamics and

SUBMITTER: Fabiano ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12818104 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature