Rho GTPase and Shroom direct planar polarized actomyosin contractility during convergent extension Journal Article


Authors: De Matos Simões, S.; Mainieri, A.; Zallen, J. A.
Article Title: Rho GTPase and Shroom direct planar polarized actomyosin contractility during convergent extension
Abstract: Actomyosin contraction generates mechanical forces that influence cell and tissue structure. During convergent extension in Drosophila melanogaster, the spatially regulated activity of the myosin activator Rho-kinase promotes actomyosin contraction at specific planar cell boundaries to produce polarized cell rearrangement. The mechanisms that direct localized Rho-kinase activity are not well understood. We show that Rho GTPase recruits Rho-kinase to adherens junctions and is required for Rho-kinase planar polarity. Shroom, an asymmetrically localized actin- and Rho-kinase-binding protein, amplifies Rho-kinase and myosin II planar polarity and junctional localization downstream of Rho signaling. In Shroom mutants, Rhokinase and myosin II achieve reduced levels of planar polarity, resulting in decreased junctional tension, a disruption of multicellular rosette formation, and defective convergent extension. These results indicate that Rho GTPase activity is required to establish a planar polarized actomyosin network, and the Shroom actin-binding protein enhances myosin contractility locally to generate robust mechanical forces during axis elongation. © 2014 Simões et al.
Journal Title: Journal of Cell Biology
Volume: 204
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0021-9525
Publisher: Rockefeller University Press  
Date Published: 2014-02-17
Start Page: 575
End Page: 589
Language: English
DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201307070
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC3926966
PUBMED: 24535826
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 3 March 2014 -- CODEN: JCLBA -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jennifer A Zallen
    49 Zallen
  2. Sergio Manuel De Matos Simoes
    4 Simoes