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Turnover and flow of the cell membrane for cell migration
Masahito Tanaka1, Takeomi Kikuchi1, Hiroyuki Uno1
1Department of Functional Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8512, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Cell surface area does not change during cell migration. Instead, cell membrane dynamics involve a fountain-like flow with high turnover, actively driving cell movement and migration velocity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- The precise role of cell membrane dynamics in cell migration remains incompletely understood.
- Investigating the necessity of cell surface area alterations for cell motility is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if changes in total cell surface area are essential for cell migration.
- To elucidate the mechanism of cell membrane circulation during migration.
Main Methods:
- Dictyostelium cells were flattened using agar-overlay.
- Scanning electron microscopy and optical sectioning fluorescence microscopy were employed.
- Fluorescent lipid analogues and local photobleaching techniques were utilized to track membrane dynamics.
Main Results:
- Flattened migrating cells lacked membrane reservoirs like projections and folds.
- Cell surface area remained constant during migration.
- A high cell membrane turnover rate correlated with increased cell migration velocity.
- Photobleaching experiments revealed a rearward movement of membrane on both dorsal and ventral sides, indicating a fountain-like flow.
Conclusions:
- Cell migration does not necessitate changes in total cell surface area.
- Cell membrane circulation occurs in a fountain-like manner, with membrane moving rearward.
- High membrane turnover rates actively contribute to and are closely linked with cell migration velocity.
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