Spectrin is a mechanoresponsive protein shaping fusogenic synapse architecture during myoblast fusion.

ABSTRACT: Spectrin is a membrane skeletal protein best known for its structural role in maintaining cell shape and protecting cells from mechanical damage. Here, we report that α/β_H-spectrin (β_H is also called karst) dynamically accumulates and dissolves at the fusogenic synapse between fusing Drosophila muscle cells, where an attacking fusion partner invades its receiving partner with actin-propelled protrusions to promote cell fusion. Using genetics, cell biology, biophysics and mathematical modelling, we demonstrate that spectrin exhibits a mechanosensitive accumulation in response to shear deformation, which is highly elevated at the fusogenic synapse. The transiently accumulated spectrin network functions as a cellular fence to restrict the diffusion of cell-adhesion molec

SUBMITTER: Duan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6397639 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature