A resilient formin-derived cortical actin meshwork in the rear drives actomyosin-based motility in 2D confinement.

ABSTRACT: Cell migration is driven by the establishment of disparity between the cortical properties of the softer front and the more rigid rear allowing front extension and actomyosin-based rear contraction. However, how the cortical actin meshwork in the rear is generated remains elusive. Here we identify the mDia1-like formin A (ForA) from Dictyostelium discoideum that generates a subset of filaments as the basis of a resilient cortical actin sheath in the rear. Mechanical resistance of this actin compartment is accomplished by actin crosslinkers and IQGAP-related proteins, and is mandatory to withstand the increased contractile forces in response to mechanical stress by impeding unproductive blebbing in the rear, allowing efficient cell migration in two-dimensional-confined environments. Consist

SUBMITTER: Ramalingam N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4598863 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature