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Drink or drive: competition between macropinocytosis and cell migration
1*MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, U.K.
Biochemical Society Transactions
|January 27, 2015
Summary
Cellular processes like macropinocytosis and migration are balanced by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). Elevated PIP3 shifts cells towards macropinocytosis, inhibiting motility and actin nucleation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The cytoskeleton is crucial for cellular functions like migration and endocytosis.
- Cells share molecular components across processes, but balancing their use remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between macropinocytosis and cell migration.
- To understand the role of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) in balancing these cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Correlation analysis between macropinocytosis and cell migration rates.
- High-resolution microscopy to visualize molecular localization.
- Analysis of SCAR/WAVE complex and PIP3 signaling.
Main Results:
- Macropinocytosis and cell migration are negatively correlated; cells exhibiting high macropinocytosis migrate slowly.
- Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) balances both processes.
- Elevated PIP3 signaling promotes macropinocytosis and inhibits motility by affecting the SCAR/WAVE complex.
Conclusions:
- PIP3 plays a critical role in regulating the balance between macropinocytosis and cell migration.
- Contrary to common belief, PIP3 can inhibit cell motility by promoting macropinocytosis.
- Findings reveal a novel mechanism for cytoskeletal regulation.
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