The actomyosin cytoskeleton is responsible for most force-driven processes in cells and tissues. How it assembles into the necessary structures at the right time and place is an important question. Here, we focus on molecular mechanisms of actomyosin regulation recently elucidated in animal models, and highlight several common principles that emerge. The architecture of the actomyosin network - an important determinant of its function - results from actin polymerization, crosslinking and turnover, localized myosin activation, and contractility-driven self-organization. Spatiotemporal regulation is achieved by tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of Rho GTPase regulators. Subcellular anchor points of actomyosin structures control the outcome of their contraction, and molecular feedback mechanisms dictate whether they are transient, cyclic, or persistent.
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