WDR5 Stabilizes Actin Architecture to Promote Multiciliated Cell Formation

Dev Cell. 2018 Sep 10;46(5):595-610.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.08.009.

Abstract

The actin cytoskeleton is critical to shape cells and pattern intracellular organelles, which collectively drives tissue morphogenesis. In multiciliated cells (MCCs), apical actin drives expansion of the cell surface necessary to host hundreds of cilia. The apical actin also forms a lattice to uniformly distribute basal bodies. This apical actin network is dynamically remodeled, but the molecules that regulate its architecture remain poorly understood. We identify the chromatin modifier, WDR5, as a regulator of apical F-actin in MCCs. Unexpectedly in MCCs, WDR5 has a function independent of chromatin modification. We discover a scaffolding role for WDR5 between the basal body and F-actin. Specifically, WDR5 binds to basal bodies and migrates apically, where F-actin organizes around WDR5. Using a monomer trap for G-actin, we show that WDR5 stabilizes F-actin to maintain lattice architecture. In summary, we identify a non-chromatin role for WDR5 in stabilizing F-actin in MCCs.

Keywords: H3K4; Xenopus; basal body; cilia; congenital heart disease; histone modifier; methylation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Basal Bodies / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cilia / physiology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / physiology*
  • Female
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Morphogenesis
  • Xenopus

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • WDR5 protein, human
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase