biostudies-literatureSakamoto RMEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of ScienceHuman Frontier Science ProgramUehara Memorial FoundationNCI NIH HHSNIGMS NIH HHS3444https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11043346biostudies-literatureUnknown15(1)Mechanical work serves as the foundation for dynamic cellular processes, ranging from cell division to migration. A fundamental driver of cellular mechanical work is the actin cytoskeleton, composed of filamentous actin (F-actin) and myosin motors, where force generation relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. F-actin architectures, whether bundled by crosslinkers or branched via nucleators, have emerged as pivotal regulators of myosin II force generation. However, it remains unclear how distinct F-actin architectures impact the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical work. Here, we employ in vitro reconstitution of distinct F-actin architectures with purified components to investigate their influence on myosin ATP hydrolysis (consumption). We find that F-actin bundles compoNature communicationsF-actin architecture determines the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work.PMC11043346RGY0073/2018U54 CA209992R01 GM126256Murrell MPSakamoto RfalseF-actin architecture determines the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work.Mechanical work serves as the foundation for dynamic cellular processes, ranging from cell division to migration. A fundamental driver of cellular mechanical work is the actin cytoskeleton, composed of filamentous actin (F-actin) and myosin motors, where force generation relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. F-actin architectures, whether bundled by crosslinkers or branched via nucleators, have emerged as pivotal regulators of myosin II force generation. However, it remains unclear how distinct F-actin architectures impact the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical work. Here, we employ in vitro reconstitution of distinct F-actin architectures with purified components to investigate their influence on myosin ATP hydrolysis (consumption). We find that F-actin bundles compo2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Apr2026-06-01T23:56:08.584Z2026-05-24T03:07:31.101ZS-EPMC110433463865854910.1038/s41467-024-47593-x