SKM 2021 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 2: Cytoskeleton

BP 2.1: Hauptvortrag

Montag, 27. September 2021, 11:30–12:00, H1

PINCH-1 promotes migration in extracellular matrices and influences the mechano-phenotype — •Claudia Tanja Mierke — University of Leipzig, Biological Physics, Leipzig, Germany

Cell migration performs a critical function in numerous physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis or wound healing, and pathological processes that include malignant cancer progression. The efficiency of migration appears to be based on the mechano-phenotype of the cytoskeleton. Cytoskeletal properties depend on intercellular and environmental factors. Thus, connections between the cell and its microenvironment are established by cell-matrix adhesion receptors. Upon activation, focal adhesion proteins such as PINCH-1 are recruited to sites where focal adhesions form. PINCH-1 specifically couples through interactions with ILK, which binds to cell-matrix receptors and the actomyosin cytoskeleton. However, the role of PINCH-1 in cell mechanics regulating cellular motility in 3D-collagen matrices is elusive. PINCH-1 is thought to facilitate 3D-motility by regulating cellular mechanical properties, such as stiffness. Therefore, PINCH-1 wild-type and knock-out cells were examined for their ability to migrate in dense extracellular 3D-matrices and cellular deformability. PINCH-1 wild-type cells migrated more numerous and deeper in 3D-matrices. PINCH-1 wild-type cells are less deformable (stiffer) compared to PINCH-1 knock-out cells. Migration and deformability were reduced by drug-dependent inhibition of Arp2/3 complex or actin polymerization. Finally, PINCH-1 appears to be essential for providing cellular mechanical stiffness, which regulates 3D motility.