Perinuclear Arp2/3-driven actin polymerization enables nuclear deformation to facilitate cell migration through...

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cell migration is crucial for immune responses but also for cancer metastasis.
• Cellular deformability, limited by the nucleus, is essential for migration in complex environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanism by which dendritic cells navigate through small constrictions.
• To understand the role of the nucleus and actin dynamics in cell migration.

Main Methods:

• Investigated dendritic cell migration through micrometric constrictions.
• Analyzed the role of Arp2/3-dependent actin nucleation and nuclear lamina disruption.
• Examined the effect of suppressing lamin A/C expression on nuclear stiffness and migration.

Main Results:

• Dendritic cells employ a rapid Arp2/3-dependent actin nucleation around the nucleus to disrupt the nuclear lamina.
• This mechanism enhances nuclear deformability, enabling passage through narrow gaps.
• Reduced nuclear stiffness by suppressing lamin A/C expression alleviates the need for Arp2/3 in constriction passage.

Conclusions:

• Proposed a novel role for Arp2/3 in facilitating three-dimensional cell migration.
• Highlighted a mechanism for rapid and efficient migration of leukocytes through confined spaces.
• This process is likely vital for immune cell function.