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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading
Published on: May 22, 2021
Spreading by snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) defence cells is regulated through integrated PKC, FAK and Src signalling
Anthony J Walker1, Audrey H Lacchini, Katie L Sealey
1School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, UK. T.walker@kingston.ac.uk
Abstract:
Cell adhesion and spreading are vital to immune function. In molluscs, haemocytes (circulating phagocytes) are sentinels and effectors of the internal defence system; however, molecular mechanisms that regulate integrin-mediated spreading by haemocytes have not been characterised in detail. Visualisation of Lymnaea stagnalis haemocytes by scanning electron microscopy revealed membrane ruffling, formation of lamellipodia and extensive filopodia during early stages of cell adhesion and spreading. These events correlated with increased phosphorylation (activation) of protein kinase C (PKC) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), sustained for 60 min. Treatment of haemocytes with the PKC inhibitors GF109203X or Gö 6976, or the Src/tyrosine kinase inhibitors SrcI or herbimycin A, attenuated haemocyte spread by 64, 46, 32 and 35%, respectively (P
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