Spatiotemporal H₂O₂ flashes coordinate actin cytoskeletal remodeling and regulate cell migration and wound healing.

Abstract

Well-organized repair of damaged barrier epithelia is vital for infection control, resolution of inflammation, and enduring physical protection. Cysteine thiol and methionine oxidation are connected to cytoskeletal rearrangements in cell migration and wound healing, but how localized redox signaling is achieved to regulate dynamic processes remains elusive. Here, we identify DUOX2, a mucosal barrier NADPH oxidase, as vesicle-incorporated H₂O₂ source, localizing to sites of cytoskeletal reorganization, and facilitating tunneling nanotube and lamellipodia formation. Using traceable fluorescent DUOX2 and the membrane-bound H₂O₂ sensor HyPer7-MEM enabled insight into DUOX2 vesicle trafficking and H₂O₂ generation at sites of actin polymerization and dynamic remodeling. Stable expression or ablation confirmed DUOX2 generated H₂O₂ as a catalyst for cell-cell connections, random motility and directed migration. We identify a signaling axis from the mechanosensor PIEZO1 to DUOX2 and FER tyrosine kinase activation to initiate retraction wave-mediated efficient wound closure in epithelial cells, a prerequisite for barrier integrity.