Non-centrosomal epidermal microtubules act in parallel to LET-502/ROCK to promote C. elegans elongation

• DOI: 10.1242/jcs.185371
• Publication Date: 2016-01-16T01:57:59Z
• Authors: Sophie Quintin; Shahoe Wang; Julien Pontabry; Ambre Bender; François Robin; Vincent Hyenne; Frédéric Landmann; Christelle Gally; Karen Oegema; Michel Labouesse
• Keywords: Adherens junction; Hemidesmosome

C. elegans embryonic elongation is a morphogenetic event driven by actomyosin contractility and muscle-induced tension transmitted through hemidesmosomes. A role for the microtubule cytoskeleton has also been proposed, but its contribution remains poorly characterized. Here, we investigate organization of non-centrosomal arrays present in epidermis assess their function elongation. We show that regulators γ-tubulin NOCA-1 are recruited to hemidesmosomes adherens junctions early Several parallel approaches suggest nucleation occurs from these sites. Disrupting epidermal array overexpressing microtubule-severing protein Spastin or inhibiting ninein homolog mildly affected However, microtubules were essential when activity Rho kinase LET-502/ROCK partially compromised. Imaging junctional components genetic analyses together with promote transport E-cadherin myotactin Our results indicate LET-502 remodeling likely be independent established as myosin II activator, requires microtubule-dependent pathway involving syntaxin SYX-5. Hence, propose organized contribute transporting junction factors, rather than having mechanical role.