Friction patterns guide actin network contraction

The shape of cells is the outcome of the balance of inner forces produced by the actomyosin network and the resistive forces produced by cell adhesion to their environment. The specific contributions of contractile, anchoring and friction forces to network deformation rate and orientation are difficult to disentangle in living cells where they influence each other. Here, we reconstituted contractile acto-myosin networks in vitro to study specifically the role of the friction forces between the network and its anchoring substrate. To modulate the magnitude and spatial distribution of friction forces, we micropatterned actin nucleation promoting factors on glass or on a lipid bilayer. We adapted their concentrations on each surface to induce the assembly of actin networks of similar densities, and compare the deformation of the network toward the centroid of the pattern shape upon myosin-induced contraction. We found that actin network deformation was faster and more coordinated on lipid bilayers than on glass, showing the resistance of friction to network contraction. To further study the role of the spatial distribution of these friction forces, we designed heterogeneous micropatterns made of glass and lipids. The deformation upon contraction was no longer symmetric but biased toward the region of higher friction. Furthermore, we showed that the pattern of friction could robustly drive network contraction and dominate the contribution of asymmetric distributions of myosins. Therefore, we demonstrate that during contraction both the active and resistive forces are essential to direct the actin network deformation. Significance statementCell shape changes are controlled by complex sets of mechanical forces of various origins. Numerous studies have been dedicated to the role of active forces, originating from molecular motors and filament polymerization, but much less is known about the guiding role of resistive forces. Here we show that a non-uniform distribution of friction forces between a contracting acto-myosin network and its underlying substrate can direct its deformation as it contracts. Our results suggest that the contribution of resistive forces, such as anchoring forces but also less specific viscous forces along cell surface, can be as significant as those of active forces in driving network deformation and should be considered in mechanical models describing the regulation of cell shape and movements.