Capping protein regulates the balance of assembly among diverse actin networks in C. elegans zygotes

Actin cytoskeleton networks exhibit specialized architectural properties for specific cellular tasks, as determined by the actin-binding proteins (ABPs) associated with each network. Proper allocation of a limiting pool of actin monomers also helps shape the assembly of different F-actin networks. The ABP capping protein (CP) modulates F-actin network architecture through regulation of actin filament length by capping filament barbed ends. Using a combination of in vitro biochemistry and quantitative live-cell imaging, we characterize CP as a major regulator of inter-network competition between filopodia and mini-comets, two F-actin networks in the one-cell C. elegans embryo (zygote). We establish that this regulation is facilitated in part by competition for binding barbed ends between CP and the F-actin elongator formin CYK-1. Together, these results reveal a role for CP in determining F-actin network architecture and dynamics, regulating the coordination between actin assembly factors to assemble and maintain different dynamic F-actin networks, and allocation of G-actin between competing cortical F-actin networks. Summary for table of contentsCells assemble diverse actin cytoskeleton networks within a common cytoplasm for essential cellular processes. Yde et al. establish a role for Capping Protein, a regulator of actin filament length, in coordinating the balanced assembly of distinct actin networks in the C. elegans zygote.