DDR1 is a collagen adhesion-mechanoreceptor expressed in fibrotic lesions. DDR1 mediates non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA)-dependent collagen remodeling. We discovered that the myosin phosphatase Rho-interacting protein (MRIP), is enriched in DDR1-NMIIA adhesions on collagen. MRIP regulates RhoA- and myosin phosphatase-dependent myosin activity. We hypothesized that MRIP regulates DDR1-NMIIA interactions to enable cell migration and collagen tractional remodeling. After deletion of MRIP in β1-integrin null cells expressing DDR1, in vitro wound closure, collagen realignment, and contraction were reduced. Cells expressing DDR1 and MRIP formed larger and more abundant DDR1 clusters on collagen than cells cultured on fibronectin or cells expressing DDR1 but null for MRIP or cells expressing a non-activating DDR1 mutant. Deletion of MRIP reduced DDR1 autophosphorylation and blocked myosin light chain-dependent contraction. Deletion of MRIP did not disrupt the association of DDR1 with NMIIA. We conclude that MRIP regulates NMIIA-dependent DDR1 cluster growth and activation. Accordingly, MRIP may provide a novel drug target for dysfunctional DDR1-related collagen tractional remodeling in fibrosis.
Keywords: DDR1; MRIP; collagen remodeling; non-muscle myosin IIA.