T-Plastin reinforces membrane protrusions to bridge matrix gaps during cell migration

Nat Commun. 2020 Sep 23;11(1):4818. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18586-3.

Abstract

Migrating cells move across diverse assemblies of extracellular matrix (ECM) that can be separated by micron-scale gaps. For membranes to protrude and reattach across a gap, actin filaments, which are relatively weak as single filaments, must polymerize outward from adhesion sites to push membranes towards distant sites of new adhesion. Here, using micropatterned ECMs, we identify T-Plastin, one of the most ancient actin bundling proteins, as an actin stabilizer that promotes membrane protrusions and enables bridging of ECM gaps. We show that T-Plastin widens and lengthens protrusions and is specifically enriched in active protrusions where F-actin is devoid of non-muscle myosin II activity. Together, our study uncovers critical roles of the actin bundler T-Plastin to promote protrusions and migration when adhesion is spatially-gapped.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actins / metabolism
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Surface Extensions / metabolism*
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / ultrastructure
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microfilament Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Myosins / metabolism
  • Pseudopodia / metabolism
  • Receptor, EphB2

Substances

  • Actins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • plastin
  • EPHB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, EphB2
  • Myosins