Vinexin family (SORBS) proteins regulate mechanotransduction in mesenchymal stem cells

Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 1;8(1):11581. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29700-3.

Abstract

The stiffness of extracellular matrix (ECM) directs the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Although a recent study revealed the involvement of vinexin α and CAP (c-Cbl-associated proteins), two of vinexin (SORBS) family proteins that bind to vinculin, in mechanosensing, it is still unclear whether these proteins regulate mechanotransduction and differentiation of MSCs. In the present study, we show that both vinexin α and CAP are necessary for the association of vinculin with the cytoskeleton and the promotion of YAP/TAZ nuclear localization in MSCs grown on rigid substrates. Furthermore, CAP is involved in the MSC differentiation in a stiffness-dependent manner, whereas vinexin depletion suppresses adipocyte differentiation independently of YAP/TAZ. These observations reveal a critical role of vinexin α and CAP in mechanotransduction and MSC differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Vinculin / metabolism
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Sorbs3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Vcl protein, mouse
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins
  • Yap1 protein, mouse
  • ponsin
  • Vinculin
  • Acyltransferases
  • tafazzin protein, mouse