Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Non-invasive Imaging of Leukocyte Homing and Migration in vivo
Published on: December 5, 2010
Metabolic regulation of leukocyte motility and migration
Federica M Marelli-Berg1, Maryam Jangani1
1William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton is essential for numerous cellular processes including leukocyte migration. This process presents a substantial bioenergetic challenge to migrating cells as actin polymerization is dependent on ATP hydrolysis. Hence, migrating cells must increase ATP production to meet the increased metabolic demands of cytoskeletal reorganization. Despite this long-standing evidence, the metabolic regulation of leukocyte motility and trafficking has only recently begun to be investigated. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge of the crosstalk between cell metabolism and the cytoskeleton in leukocytes, and discuss the concept that leukocyte metabolism may reprogram in response to migratory stimuli and the different environmental cues received during recirculation ultimately regulating leukocyte motility and migration.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Metabolism
What is Metabolism?
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...
Classification of Leukocytes
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
Epigenetic Regulation

