# Single-component optogenetic tools to bidirectionally control RhoA in mechanotransduction

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2024 · $45,853

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 RhoA, a member of the Rho-family of small GTPases, centrally regulates actin organization and
actomyosin contractility. RhoA dynamics coordinate actin stress fiber formation, which ultimately determines how
cells generate cytoskeletal tension to transmit mechanical forces to/from neighboring cell-cell junctions and focal
adhesions with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Thus, new tools to control the dynamics of RhoA signaling may
enhance understanding of how cells make decisions in response to mechanical stimuli. We propose to create
optogenetic tools for bi-directional (activation and inactivation) control over RhoA signaling, systematically
characterize their function through a set of physiological assays in contractility and mechanotransduction, and
benchmark their performance against other reported optogenetic technologies. We will use our recently
discovered BcLOV4 photoreceptor that dynamically translocates via a direct light-induced protein-lipid interaction
with the plasma membrane, making it powerful for single-component optogenetic control over peripheral
membrane proteins that is robust across cell types and primary cells. To demonstrate the unique capabilities of
the toolbox, we will quantitatively map the cytoskeletal signaling and tensional dynamics of a known RhoA/YAP
mechanotransductive feedback loop in cytoskeletal remodeling and persistent cell motility, through simultaneous
optogenetic perturbation and multi-reporter imaging. This toolbox will broadly impact cell and cytoskeletal biology
by advancing control over ubiquitous RhoA signaling to probe its diverse regulatory roles in cell contractility,
motility, mechanotransduction, and regeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10857944
- **Project number:** 3R01GM143400-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Joel D Boerckel
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $45,853
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10857944

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10857944, Single-component optogenetic tools to bidirectionally control RhoA in mechanotransduction (3R01GM143400-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10857944. Licensed CC0.

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