NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Integrin binding and mechanical tension induce movement of mRNA and ribosomes to focal adhesionsThe extracellular matrix (ECM) activates signalling pathways that control cell behaviour by binding to cell-surface integrin receptors and inducing the formation of focal adhesion complexes (FACs). In addition to clustered integrins, FACs contain proteins that mechanically couple the integrins to the cytoskeleton and to immobilized signal-transducing molecules. Cell adhesion to the ECM also induces a rapid increase in the translation of preexisting messenger RNAs. Gene expression can be controlled locally by targeting mRNAs to specialized cytoskeletal domains. Here we investigate whether cell binding to the ECM promotes formation of a cytoskeletal microcompartment specialized for translational control at the site of integrin binding. High-resolution in situ hybridization revealed that mRNA and ribosomes rapidly and specifically localized to FACs that form when cells bind to ECM-coated microbeads. Relocation of these protein synthesis components to the FAC depended on the ability of integrins to mechanically couple the ECM to the contractile cytoskeleton and on associated tension-moulding of the actin lattice. Our results suggest a new type of gene regulation by integrins and by mechanical stress which may involve translation of mRNAs into proteins near the sites of signal reception.
Document ID
20040172698
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Chicurel, M. E.
(Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States)
Singer, R. H.
Meyer, C. J.
Ingber, D. E.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
April 16, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 392
Issue: 6677
ISSN: 0028-0836
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Cell Biology

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available