Vinculin is required for neuronal mechanosensing but not for axon outgrowth

Wang DY, Melero C, Albaraky A, Atherton P, Jansen KA, Dimitracopoulos A, Dajas-Bailador F, Reid A, Franze K, Ballestrem C (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Experimental Cell Research Elsevier

Book Volume: 407

Article Number: 112805

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112805

Abstract

Integrin receptors are transmembrane proteins that bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM). In most animal cell types integrins cluster together with adaptor proteins at focal adhesions that sense and respond to external mechanical signals. In the central nervous system (CNS), ECM proteins are sparsely distributed, the tissue is comparatively soft and neurons do not form focal adhesions. Thus, how neurons sense tissue stiffness is currently poorly understood. Here, we found that integrins and the integrin-associated proteins talin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are required for the outgrowth of neuronal processes. Vinculin, however, whilst not required for neurite outgrowth was a key regulator of integrin-mediated mechanosensing of neurons. During growth, growth cones of axons of CNS derived cells exerted dynamic stresses of around 10–12 Pa on their environment, and axons grew significantly longer on soft (0.4 kPa) compared to stiff (8 kPa) substrates. Depletion of vinculin blocked this ability of growth cones to distinguish between soft and stiff substrates. These data suggest that vinculin in neurons acts as a key mechanosensor, involved in the regulation of growth cone motility.

Authors with CRIS profile

Kristian Franze Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik

Involved external institutions

University of Nottingham GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Manchester GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Wang, D.-Y., Melero, C., Albaraky, A., Atherton, P., Jansen, K.A., Dimitracopoulos, A.,... Ballestrem, C. (2021). Vinculin is required for neuronal mechanosensing but not for axon outgrowth. Experimental Cell Research, 407(2). https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112805

MLA:

Wang, De-Yao, et al. "Vinculin is required for neuronal mechanosensing but not for axon outgrowth." Experimental Cell Research 407.2 (2021).

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