Polarization of Myosin II Refines Tissue Material Properties to Buffer Mechanical Stress.

ABSTRACT: As tissues develop, they are subjected to a variety of mechanical forces. Some of these forces are instrumental in the development of tissues, while others can result in tissue damage. Despite our extensive understanding of force-guided morphogenesis, we have only a limited understanding of how tissues prevent further morphogenesis once the shape is determined after development. Here, through the development of a tissue-stretching device, we uncover a mechanosensitive pathway that regulates tissue responses to mechanical stress through the polarization of actomyosin across the tissue. We show that stretch induces the formation of linear multicellular actomyosin cables, which depend on Diaphanous for their nucleation. These stiffen the epithelium, limiting further changes in shape, and prev

SUBMITTER: Duda M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6353629 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature