Nonmuscle myosin-2 contractility-dependent actin turnover limits the length of epithelial microvilli

Abstract

Microvilli are critical for cellular homeostasis, enabling functions such as solute uptake and host defense. Here we report that nonmuscle myosin-2c localizes to the base of epithelial microvilli, where it controls protrusion length by regulating actin turnover. These findings offer insights that will likely apply to diverse epithelia.