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A multicellular star-shaped actin network underpins epithelial organization and connectivity

Author

Listed:
  • Amlan Barai

    (Turing Center for Living Systems
    Institut Jacques Monod
    Equipe labellisée Fondation ARC)

  • Matis Soleilhac

    (Turing Center for Living Systems
    Institut Jacques Monod
    Equipe labellisée Fondation ARC)

  • Wang Xi

    (Institut Jacques Monod)

  • Shao-Zhen Lin

    (Turing Center for Living Systems
    Sun Yat-sen University
    Sun Yat-Sen University)

  • Marc Karnat

    (Turing Center for Living Systems)

  • Elsa Bazellières

    (Turing Center for Living Systems)

  • Sylvie Richelme

    (Turing Center for Living Systems
    Equipe labellisée Fondation ARC)

  • Brice Lecouffe

    (Turing Center for Living Systems
    Equipe labellisée Fondation ARC)

  • Claire Chardès

    (Turing Center for Living Systems)

  • Dominique Berrebi

    (Sorbonne Paris Cité
    Université Paris Cité)

  • Frank Rümmele

    (Université Paris Cité
    Sorbonne Paris Cité)

  • Manuel Théry

    (Institut Pierre Gilles De Gennes
    Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble)

  • Jean-François Rupprecht

    (Turing Center for Living Systems)

  • Delphine Delacour

    (Turing Center for Living Systems
    Institut Jacques Monod
    Equipe labellisée Fondation ARC)

Abstract

Epithelial tissues withstand external stresses while maintaining structural stability. Bicellular junctions and the actomyosin network support epithelial integrity, packing and remodelling. While their role in development and disease are well studied, their synergistic impact on maintaining tissue organization remains unclear. Here, we identify a tissue-scale actomyosin network in adult murine intestinal villi, as well as in an ex vivo organoid-based epithelium model. This actomyosin network consists of repeated units of actin stars – radial actin structures at the base of hexagonal cells – linked via bicellular junctions into a multicellular array. Functionally, actin stars maintain epithelial morphological stability by preserving cell shape and packing. Laser ablation experiments support a modified vertex model, linking tension along actin star branches to epithelial arrangement. Additionally, actin stars act as basal locks, limiting protrusive activity, and hindering cell migration and tissue disruption. Together, these findings reveal the star-shaped supracellular actin network as a pivotal biomechanical system governing epithelial layer coordination.

Suggested Citation

  • Amlan Barai & Matis Soleilhac & Wang Xi & Shao-Zhen Lin & Marc Karnat & Elsa Bazellières & Sylvie Richelme & Brice Lecouffe & Claire Chardès & Dominique Berrebi & Frank Rümmele & Manuel Théry & Jean-F, 2025. "A multicellular star-shaped actin network underpins epithelial organization and connectivity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61438-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61438-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Adam C. Martin & Matthias Kaschube & Eric F. Wieschaus, 2009. "Pulsed contractions of an actin–myosin network drive apical constriction," Nature, Nature, vol. 457(7228), pages 495-499, January.
    2. Anaïs Bailles & Claudio Collinet & Jean-Marc Philippe & Pierre-François Lenne & Edwin Munro & Thomas Lecuit, 2019. "Genetic induction and mechanochemical propagation of a morphogenetic wave," Nature, Nature, vol. 572(7770), pages 467-473, August.
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