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Cell Motility through Blebbing01:16

Cell Motility through Blebbing

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Blebs are a type of membrane protrusion formed by the internal hydrostatic pressure of the cytoplasm. Blebs are observed in several cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and single-celled organisms like the amoeba. The primary function of blebs is cell locomotion and apoptosis, but they are also found during necrosis and cell division. The life cycle of a bleb comprises an initiation phase followed by the expansion and retraction phases.
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A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker...
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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
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The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
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The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Measurement of Calcium Fluctuations Within the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum of Cultured Smooth Muscle Cells Using FRET-based Confocal Imaging
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A Clockwork Bleb: cytoskeleton, calcium, and cytoplasmic fluidity.

Junichi Ikenouchi1, Kana Aoki1

  • 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

The FEBS Journal
|October 6, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cell membrane blebs form when the plasma membrane detaches from the actin cortex. This review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating bleb formation, expansion, and retraction, crucial for cell migration.

Keywords:
actin cortexamoeboid migrationblebcalciumcytoplasmic fluidity

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Plasma membrane (PM) blebs form via detachment from the actin cortex, expanding due to intracellular pressure.
  • Bleb retraction occurs upon actin cortex reassembly beneath the PM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms regulating bleb formation, expansion, and retraction.
  • To address unresolved questions regarding membrane source, actin reassembly signals, and cytoplasmic fluidity during blebbing.
  • To explore the role of blebbing in cancer cell invasion and directional migration.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental systems and existing literature.
  • Analysis of molecular signaling pathways involved in bleb dynamics.
  • Examination of the role of blebbing in cell migration and invasion.

Main Results:

  • Bleb formation involves plasma membrane detachment and expansion.
  • Bleb retraction is mediated by actin cortex reassembly.
  • Blebbing dynamics are regulated by specific molecular signals and cytoplasmic properties.

Conclusions:

  • Blebbing is a complex cellular process with significant implications for cell motility.
  • Understanding bleb regulation is key to deciphering cancer cell invasion mechanisms.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the coordination of bleb dynamics in directed cell migration.