Vinculin-dependent actin bundling regulates cell migration and traction forces

In this study,we found mutation (R1049E) of the vinculin tail impairs its ability to bind F-actin, stimulate actin polymerization, and bundle F-actin in vitro. Further, mutant (R1049E) vinculin expressing cells are altered in cell migration, which is accompanied by changes in cell adhesion, cell spreading, and cell generation of traction forces, providing direct evidence for the critical role of vinculin in mechanotransduction at adhesion sites. Lastly, we herein discuss the viability of models detailing the F-actin-binding surface on vinculin in context of our mutational analysis.

Source: BJ Cell - October 31, 2014 Category: Biochemistry Authors: K M Jannie, S M. Ellerbroek, D W. Zhou, S Chen, D J. Crompton, A J Garcia, K A. DeMali Tags: BJ Cell Source Type: research