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Exploratory cell dynamics: a sense of touch for cells?
Perihan Nalbant1, Leif Dehmelt2
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 2, D-45141 Essen, Germany.
Biological Chemistry
|April 18, 2018
Summary
Cells actively explore their environment using actin-based movements to sense chemical and mechanical cues. Excitable signal networks process these signals, guiding crucial cell behaviors like migration and development.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Cells dynamically respond to environmental signals for survival and function.
- Exploratory behaviors, including protrusions and contractions, are key for cells to probe their surroundings.
- Excitable signal networks are known to generate localized activity for cellular control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate how cells process external cues for dynamic behavior.
- To investigate the role of exploratory mechanisms in environmental sampling.
- To understand the function of excitable signal networks in controlling cell actions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of actin-based cell protrusions and contractions.
- Identification and characterization of excitable signal networks.
- Modeling of signal processing in cellular responses.
Main Results:
- Cells utilize actin dynamics to actively engage and probe environmental properties.
- Multiple excitable signal networks were identified that generate localized activity pulses.
- These networks efficiently process chemical and mechanical signals.
Conclusions:
- Excitable signal networks are crucial for efficient signal processing in cells.
- These networks effectively steer dynamic cell behaviors like migration and morphogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into tissue development and cell fate.
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