Alix-mediated assembly of the actomyosin–tight junction polarity complex preserves epithelial polarity and epithelial barrier
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Maintenance of epithelial cell polarity and epithelial barrier relies on the spatial organization of the actin cytoskeleton and proper positioning/assembly of intercellular junctions. However, how these processes are regulated is poorly understood. Here we reveal a key role for the multifunctional protein Alix in both processes. In a knockout mouse model of Alix, we identified overt structural changes in the epithelium of the choroid plexus and in the ependyma, such as asymmetrical cell shape and size, misplacement and abnormal beating of cilia, blebbing of the microvilli. These defects culminate in excessive cell extrusion, enlargement of the lateral ventricles and hydrocephalus. Mechanistically, we find that by interacting with F-actin, the Par complex and ZO-1, Alix ensures the formation and maintenance of the apically restricted actomyosin-tight junction complex. We propose that in this capacity Alix plays a role in the establishment of apical-basal polarity and in the maintenance of the epithelial barrier.
Source: Nature Communications
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11876
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Funders: Assisi Foundation of Memphis, University of Memphis, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Awards: Excessive Lysosomal Exocytosis Triggers Pathogenic Mechanisms in Sialidosis Mice, Functional Roles And Mechanisms Of Snornas In Pre-rrna P, GM1 as apoptotic signal in neurodegenerative GM1-gangliosidosis, Specificity and Activity of Ozz-E3 During Myogenesis, Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG)
OpenAlex ID: W2472225832