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Imaging G-protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR)-mediated Signaling Events that Control Chemotaxis of Dictyostelium Discoideum
Published on: September 20, 2011
cAMP receptor affinity controls wave dynamics, geometry and morphogenesis in Dictyostelium
D Dormann1, J Y Kim, P N Devreotes
1School of Life Sciences, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Wellcome Trust Biocentre, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
Journal of Cell Science
|September 18, 2001
Summary
Dictyostelium development relies on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) receptors. This study shows receptor affinity controls wave initiation frequency, impacting cell aggregation and development.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Developmental biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serpentine G-protein-coupled receptors detect extracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) waves.
- These waves guide chemotactic cell movement during Dictyostelium discoideum development.
- Cells express four cAMP receptors with decreasing affinity during development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of cAMP receptor type and affinity on cell-cell signaling dynamics.
- Analyze the effects on wave initiation and propagation in vivo.
- Determine how receptor properties influence Dictyostelium aggregation and development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various cAMP receptor mutants in Dictyostelium discoideum.
- Measured dynamics of cAMP wave initiation and propagation in vivo.
- Observed cell aggregation, mound formation, and slug transformation.
Main Results:
- Receptor affinity modulates wave initiation frequency but not propagation velocity.
- Low affinity receptors lead to altered wave geometry and failed aggregation.
- Expression of low affinity receptors results in concentric waves, inhibiting normal development.
Conclusions:
- Receptor affinity is critical for controlling cAMP signaling dynamics.
- Proper receptor number and affinity are essential for Dictyostelium development.
- Deviations in receptor affinity disrupt cell aggregation and developmental progression.
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