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Mechanical modes of 'amoeboid' cell migration.
1Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Hofschneider Group Leukocyte Migration, Martinsried, Germany.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|June 16, 2009
Summary
Amoeboid cell migration encompasses diverse biophysical modes. Shifting the balance between actin protrusion, actomyosin contraction, and adhesion explains distinct phenotypes like blebbing and gliding.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Amoeboid migration is a fundamental cellular process.
- Existing models often categorize distinct amoeboid motility modes.
- These modes include blebbing and actin-polymerization-based gliding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss diverse principles of force generation and transduction in amoeboid migration.
- To explain distinct amoeboid phenotypes through mechanical principles.
- To propose a unified framework for understanding amoeboid movement.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical discussion of biophysical principles.
- Analysis of force generation and transduction mechanisms.
- Comparative analysis of different amoeboid migration modes.
Main Results:
- Amoeboid migration involves diverse biophysical modes.
- Distinct phenotypes arise from varying force generation and transduction.
- Blebbing and gliding represent extreme variants of a common migration strategy.
Conclusions:
- Shifting the balance between actin protrusion, actomyosin contraction, and substrate adhesion explains amoeboid phenotypes.
- Cell type, physiological conditions, and experimental manipulation influence migration modes.
- A unified mechanical framework can describe diverse amoeboid migration strategies.
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