Regulation of Brush Border Structure by Myosin-1a

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Our long-term goal is to elucidate the function of the brush border (BB) cytoskeleton and its associated motor proteins in the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the intestinal epithelial cell (enterocyte). As one of the most highly-ordered F-actin assemblies observed in nature, the BB functions as the primary site of nutrient absorption in the intestinal tract. BBs are composed of tightly packed arrays of microvilli (MV) that are nearly identical in length and diameter; the plasma membrane associated with each MV is linked to a supporting actin bundle by a spiraling array of bridges composed of myosin-1a (Myo1a), a motor protein that generates force and motion directed along actin filaments. Our recent analyses of Myo1a knockout mice indicate that this motor plays a critical role in stabilizing apical membrane morphology. BBs lacking Myo1a exhibit significant vesiculation and herniation of the BB membrane, defects that are strikingly similar to symptoms observed in malabsorption enteropathies such as Celiac disease and bacterial gastroenteritis. The goal of this proposal is to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying these phenotypes by determining how the motor activity of Myo1a is exploited to regulate BB membrane structure. Our central hypothesis is that Myo1a stabilizes the BB membrane by generating mechanical forces that contribute to membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion. We will test this hypothesis by implementing a multifaceted approach, including biophysical assays based on optical trapping. Specifically, we will: (1) determine if ATP-induced membrane shedding demonstrated by isolated BBs represents a manifestation of Myo1a force generation, (2) directly measure the forces generated during interactions between Myo1 a and native BB components in a reconstituted MV motility assay, (3) measure the fraction of total BB membrane adhesion provided by Myo1a, and (4) determine how the biophysical properties of Myo1a govern its role in membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion. Intact BBs are essential for the normal absorptive function of the mucosa; MV loss is a common symptom in a number of Gl diseases that pose significant threats to human health. By elucidating factors that control MV stability, this work will develop our understanding of normal enterocyte function and help illuminate pathways and processes that may be perturbed in cases of enterocyte dysfunction.