Reciprocal and dynamic polarization of planar cell polarity core components and myosin

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Abstract

The Ciona notochord displays PCP-dependent polarity, with anterior localization of Prickle (Pk) and Strabismus (Stbm). We report that a myosin is polarized anteriorly in these cells and strongly colocalize with Stbm. Disruption of the actin/myosin machinery with cytochalasin or blebbistatin disrupts polarization of Pk and Stbm, but not of myosin complexes, suggesting a PCP-independent aspect of myosin localization. Washout of cytochalasin restored Pk polarization, but not if done in the presence of blebbistatin, suggesting an active role for myosin in core PCP protein localization. On the other hand, in the pk mutant line aimless myosin polarization in approximately one third of the cells, indicating a reciprocal action of core PCP signaling on myosin localization. Our results indicate a complex relationship between the actomyosin cytoskeleton and core PCP components in which myosin is not simply a downstream target of PCP signaling, but also required for PCP protein localization.

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Erin Newman-Smith

Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, United States

Competing interests
The authors declare that no competing interests exist.
Matthew J Kourakis

Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa barbara, United States

Competing interests
The authors declare that no competing interests exist.
Wendy Reeves

Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa barbara, United States

Competing interests
The authors declare that no competing interests exist.
Michael Veeman

Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa barbara, United States

Competing interests
The authors declare that no competing interests exist.
William C Smith

Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, United States

For correspondence
w_smith@lifesci.ucsb.edu

Competing interests
The authors declare that no competing interests exist.

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