Figure 2. Effects of DNRK expression on TM cell morphology and actin cytoskeletal organization

A: Effects of dominant negative Rho-kinase (DNRK) expression on porcine TM cell morphology in vitro. Porcine TM cells infected with adenoviral vectors (30 moi) expressing DNRK and GFP (Ad-DNRK-GFP) revealed dramatic changes in cell shape, while those infected with control vector expressing GFP alone (Ad-GFP) did not. The changes in cell shape depicted in this figure was recorded at 48 h after infection of cells with Ad-DNRK-GFP. B: Effects of DNRK expression on actin cytoskeletal organization and focal adhesion formation in human TM cells. Human primary TM cells infected with adenoviral vectors (30 moi). Ad-GFP (Control panel) or Ad-DNRK-GFP (AdDNRK panel) exhibited intense GFP expression within 48 h of infection with viral vector. Unlike control cells infected with Ad-GFP, those infected with Ad-DNRK-GFP revealed changes in cell shape, and decreases in actin stress fibers (labeled with rhodamine-phalloidin) and focal adhesions (labeled with anti-vinclulin antibody in conjunction with rhodamine conjugated secondary antibody). Arrows indicate actin stress fibers and focal adhesions.