Periodic lamellipodial contractions correlate with rearward actin waves

Grégory Giannone, Benjamin J. Dubin-Thaler, Hans Günther Döbereiner, Nelly Kieffer, Anne R. Bresnick, Michael P. Sheetz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

437 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cellular lamellipodia bind to the matrix and probe its rigidity through forces generated by rearward F-actin transport. Cells respond to matrix rigidity by moving toward more rigid matrices using an unknown mechanism. In spreading and migrating cells we find local periodic contractions of lamellipodia that depend on matrix rigidity, fibronectin binding and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). These contractions leave periodic rows of matrix bound β3-integrin and paxillin while generating waves of rearward moving actin bound α-actinin and MLCK. The period between contractions corresponds to the time for F-actin to move across the lamellipodia. Shortening lamellipodial width by activating cofilin decreased this period proportionally. Increasing lamellipodial width by Rac signaling activation increased this period. We propose that an actin bound, contraction-activated signaling complex is transported locally from the tip to the base of the lamellipodium, activating the next contraction/extension cycle.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)431-443
Number of pages13
JournalCell
Volume116
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 6 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Periodic lamellipodial contractions correlate with rearward actin waves'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this