Squeezing in a Meal: Myosin Functions in Phagocytosis

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"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy TIRFM
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"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy TIRFM

Published on: August 26, 2016

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Sarah R Barger1, Nils C Gauthier2, Mira Krendel1

  • 1Cell and Developmental Biology Department, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.

Trends in Cell Biology
|December 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Myosins are essential molecular motors driving phagocytosis, the process of engulfing particles like pathogens. Research clarifies how these motors function in actin-dependent cellular internalization and cargo transport.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Phagocytosis is a critical cellular process for immune defense and tissue homeostasis.
  • Myosins, as actin-dependent molecular motors, are integral to phagocytic events.
  • The actomyosin cytoskeleton's role in phagocytosis is complex and multifaceted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the specific roles of myosins in distinct stages of phagocytosis.
  • To understand how myosin activity influences the internalization of large extracellular particles.
  • To review recent advancements in studying myosin function during phagocytosis.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic and biochemical manipulation of myosins.
  • Force measurement techniques to quantify myosin-driven forces.
  • Live-cell imaging to visualize dynamic cellular processes.

Main Results:

  • Myosins generate contractility essential for engulfment.
  • Myosins regulate actin assembly for efficient internalization.
  • Myosins translocate phagosomes and other cellular cargo.

Conclusions:

  • Specific myosins perform distinct functions at various steps of phagocytosis.
  • Understanding myosin mechanics is key to deciphering phagocytic mechanisms.
  • Engineered microenvironments and advanced imaging reveal myosin contributions to phagocytic behavior.
Keywords:
actinmacrophagemyosinsphagocytosis

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