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Cortical contractility triggers a stochastic switch to fast amoeboid cell motility
Verena Ruprecht1, Stefan Wieser2, Andrew Callan-Jones3
1Institute of Science and Technology Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
Cell
|February 14, 2015
Summary
Researchers identified a new cell migration mode in zebrafish embryos called stable-bleb migration. This highly persistent and fast amoeboid cell movement is regulated by myosin II activity and cortical flows.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Amoeboid cell migration is crucial for embryonic development and diseases like cancer metastasis.
- Understanding the mechanisms of cell motility is key to addressing developmental and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel mode of three-dimensional (3D) amoeboid cell migration.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms and biophysical principles underlying this migration mode.
Main Methods:
- Utilized live imaging of early zebrafish embryos.
- Combined theoretical modeling with experimental approaches.
- Manipulated myosin II activity through biochemical and mechanical stimuli.
Main Results:
- Identified a "stable-bleb" migration mode characterized by a stable, polarized, balloon-like cell shape, high speed, and persistence.
- Demonstrated that increased myosin II activity can induce this migration mode reversibly.
- Revealed that cortical contractility fluctuations and positive feedback loops maintain cell polarization and drive migration via rearward cortical flows.
- Showcased the versatility of this migration phenotype in diverse adhesive and non-adhesive environments.
Conclusions:
- Stable-bleb migration represents a unique and highly efficient mode of amoeboid cell motility.
- Myosin II activity and cortical dynamics are critical regulators of this cellular behavior.
- The findings provide insights into fundamental principles of cell migration applicable to development and disease.
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