Posttranslational modifications of the cytoskeleton

Abstract

The cytoskeleton plays important roles in many essential processes at the cellular and organismal levels, including cell migration and motility, cell division, and the establishment and maintenance of cell and tissue architecture. In order to facilitate these varied functions, the main cytoskeletal components—microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments—must form highly diverse intracellular arrays in different subcellular areas and cell types. The question of how this diversity is conferred has been the focus of research for decades. One key mechanism is the addition of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) to the major cytoskeletal proteins. This posttranslational addition of various chemical groups dramatically increases the complexity of the cytoskeletal proteome and helps facilitate major global and local cytoskeletal functions. Cytoskeletal proteins undergo many PTMs, most of which are not well understood. Recent technological advances in proteomics and cell biology have allowed for the in‐depth study of individual PTMs and their functions in the cytoskeleton. Here, we provide an overview of the major PTMs that occur on the main structural components of the three cytoskeletal systems—tubulin, actin, and intermediate filament proteins—and highlight the cellular function of these modifications.

Intermediate Filaments in Cellular Mechanoresponsiveness: Mediating Cytoskeletal Crosstalk From Membrane to Nucleus and Back

“…Cells are thus able to form different specialized cytoskeletal arrays, such as the branched actin networks at the leading edge of migrating cells, the microtubule spindle in dividing cells, and an intermediate filament cage-like structure that protects the nucleus of cells during confined migration. The posttranslational addition of various chemical groups further enhances the complexity of the cytoskeletal proteome, hence the ability of the cell to fine-tune cytoskeletal functions ( MacTaggart and Kashina 2021 ).…”

Cytoskeleton alterations in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…Notwithstanding, the roles of cytoskeleton motor proteins, including kinesins, dyneins and myosin, seem to be unexplored in NAFLD. Moreover, cytoskeleton proteins are highly regulated, frequently through post-translational modifications 101 , a topic that seem also to be unexplored in NAFLD. It becomes now imperative to explore the physiological relevance of cytoskeleton proteins in liver pathophysiology and metabolic diseases, as well as their roles as potential therapeutic targets in NAFLD.…”

Intermediate filaments: Integration of cell mechanical properties during migration

“…Vimentin phosphorylation at Ser39 by AKT promotes cell migration and control vimentin catalytic cleavage (Zhu et al, 2011). Recently, acetylation of vimentin at Lys120 has also been associated with an increase in cell migration [for a review on IF post-translational modifications, please see (Snider and Omary, 2014;MacTaggart and Kashina, 2021) and reference therein]. More indirect regulatory mechanisms may also affect the organization and functions of IFs.…”