Actin-myosin-based contraction is responsible for apoptotic nuclear disintegration

Croft, D., Coleman, M., Li, S., Robertson, D., Sullivan, T., Stewart, C. and Olson, M. (2005) Actin-myosin-based contraction is responsible for apoptotic nuclear disintegration. Journal of Cell Biology, 168(2), pp. 245-255. (doi: 10.1083/jcb.200409049)

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Abstract

Membrane blebbing during the apoptotic execution phase results from caspase-mediated cleavage and activation of ROCK I. Here, we show that ROCK activity, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, MLC ATPase activity, and an intact actin cytoskeleton, but not microtubular cytoskeleton, are required for disruption of nuclear integrity during apoptosis. Inhibition of ROCK or MLC ATPase activity, which protect apoptotic nuclear integrity, does not affect caspase-mediated degradation of nuclear proteins such as lamins A, 131, or C. The conditional activation of ROCK I was sufficient to tear apart nuclei in lamin A/C null fibroblasts, but not in wild-type fibroblasts. Thus, arpoptotic nuclear disintegration requires actin-myosin contractile force and lamin proteolysis, making apoptosis analogous to, but distinct from, mitosis where nuclear disintegration results from microtubule-based forces and from lamin phosphorylation and depolymerization.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Olson, Professor Michael
Authors: Croft, D., Coleman, M., Li, S., Robertson, D., Sullivan, T., Stewart, C., and Olson, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Cell Biology
ISSN:1540-8140

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