Data, p-values and python3 codes for manuscript "Actin length in cellular adhesion and contractility"

Actin is essential for many cellular functions. In this study, we investigate how actin filament length modulates cell adhesion, cellular contractility, and cell migration. Here, we measure the actin stabilizing effect of miuraenamide A in MEF cells and analyze the size and number of focal adhesions in MEF and RPE-1 cells. Additionally, we measure the adhesion forces and contractile energy in RPE-1 cells after the treatment with miuraenamide A. Contrary to expectations, we find that longer actin filaments lead to an increased number of focal adhesions with smaller sizes. Single-cell force spectroscopy shows reduced adhesion energy and force in RPE-1 cells with stabilized actin filaments, while contractile energy measurements do not show a significant change. Interestingly, the already reported reduction in mesenchymal migration parameters does not hold when we place RPE-1 cells and neutrophils in an environment that only allows amoeboid migration. Taken together, we hereby show that the length of actin filaments does alter specific migration parameters, but not migration per se. Importantly, it does affect cell adhesion to the underlying substrate which matters for adhesion-based migration. Therefore, we conclude that actin filament length affects mesenchymal but not amoeboid migration.