Dynamic clustering and dispersion of lipid rafts contribute to fusion competence of myogenic cells

Exp Cell Res. 2009 Oct 15;315(17):3052-63. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2009.07.010. Epub 2009 Jul 14.

Abstract

Recent research indicates that the leading edge of lamellipodia of myogenic cells (myoblasts and myotubes) contains presumptive fusion sites, yet the mechanisms that render the plasma membrane fusion-competent remain largely unknown. Here we show that dynamic clustering and dispersion of lipid rafts contribute to both cell adhesion and plasma membrane union during myogenic cell fusion. Adhesion-complex proteins including M-cadherin, beta-catenin, and p120-catenin accumulated at the leading edge of lamellipodia, which contains the presumptive fusion sites of the plasma membrane, in a lipid raft-dependent fashion prior to cell contact. In addition, disruption of lipid rafts by cholesterol depletion directly prevented the membrane union of myogenic cell fusion. Time-lapse recording showed that lipid rafts were laterally dispersed from the center of the lamellipodia prior to membrane fusion. Adhesion proteins that had accumulated at lipid rafts were also removed from the presumptive fusion sites when lipid rafts were laterally dispersed. The resultant lipid raft- and adhesion complex-free area at the leading edge fused with the opposing plasma membrane. These results demonstrate a key role for dynamic clustering/dispersion of lipid rafts in establishing fusion-competent sites of the myogenic cell membrane, providing a novel mechanistic insight into the regulation of myogenic cell fusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Fusion / methods
  • Clone Cells
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Membrane Microdomains / physiology*
  • Membrane Microdomains / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Myoblasts / cytology
  • Myoblasts / physiology*
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / analysis
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Myosin Heavy Chains