ZAK-beta is activated by cell compression and mediates contraction-induced MAPK signaling in muscle

Gonzalo Blanco, Amy Brown, Xiang Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

echanical inputs give rise to p38- and JNK activation which mediate adaptive physiological responses in various tissues. In skeletal muscle, contraction-induced p38 and JNK signaling ensures adaptation to exercise, muscle repair and hypertrophy. However, the mechanisms by which muscle fibers sense mechanical load to activate this signaling have remained elusive. Here, we show that the upstream MAP3K ZAK-beta is activated by cellular compression induced by osmotic shock and cyclic compression in vitro, and muscle contraction in vivo. This function relies on ZAK-beta's ability to recognize stress fibers in cells and Z-discs in muscle fibers, when mechanically perturbed. Consequently, ZAK-deficient mice present with skeletal muscle defects characterized by fibers with centralized nuclei and progressive adaptation towards a slower myosin profile. Our results highlight how cells in general respond to mechanical compressive load, and how mechanical forces generated during muscle contraction are translated into MAP kinase signaling.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere111650
Number of pages19
JournalEMBO Journal
Early online date28 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Jul 2022

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© 2022 The Authors.

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