Nanotopography modulates intracellular excitable systems through cytoskeleton actuation

Qixin Yang, Yuchuan Miao, Parijat Banerjee, Matt J. Hourwitz, Minxi Hu, Quan Qing, Pablo A. Iglesias, John T. Fourkas, Wolfgang Losert, Peter N. Devreotes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cellular sensing of most environmental cues involves receptors that affect a signal-transduction excitable network (STEN), which is coupled to a cytoskeletal excitable network (CEN). We show that the mechanism of sensing of nanoridges is fundamentally different. CEN activity occurs preferentially on nanoridges, whereas STEN activity is constrained between nanoridges. In the absence of STEN, waves disappear, but long-lasting F-actin puncta persist along the ridges. When CEN is suppressed, wave propagation is no longer constrained by nanoridges. A computational model reproduces these experimental observations. Our findings indicate that nanotopography is sensed directly by CEN, whereas STEN is only indirectly affected due to a CEN-STEN feedback loop. These results explain why texture sensing is robust and acts cooperatively with multiple other guidance cues in complex, in vivo microenvironments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2218906120
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume120
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - May 9 2023

Keywords

  • PIP3
  • actin polymerization
  • cell migration
  • feedback loops
  • wave propagation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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