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Measuring Cell-Edge Protrusion Dynamics during Spreading using Live-Cell Microscopy
Published on: November 1, 2021
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Changes in cell surface excess are coordinated with protrusion dynamics during 3D motility.
Maryna Kapustina1, Donna Li1, James Zhu1
1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Biophysical Journal
|May 19, 2023
Summary
Cells store excess cell surface (CSE) in projections for rapid shape changes. Microtubules (MTs) are hypothesized to regulate CSE dynamics, influencing cell motility in 3D environments.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cells require mechanisms to rapidly alter morphology for functions like migration and tissue remodeling.
- Cell surface excess (CSE) is a reservoir of membrane that can be deployed to cover cellular extensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cell surface excess (CSE) in cell morphology changes within a 3D environment.
- To explore the relationship between CSE dynamics, protrusion formation, and cell motility.
- To hypothesize the regulatory role of microtubules (MTs) in CSE management and its impact on cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution imaging of F-actin and microtubules (MTs) in various cell lines cultured in 3D collagen.
- Observation and correlation of changes in CSE with protrusion dynamics.
- Analysis of cell motility following MT depolymerization.
Main Results:
- Cells in 3D collagen exhibit substantial CSE, utilized for covering protrusions, similar to 2D cultures.
- Retraction of protrusions leads to CSE storage on the cell body.
- Correlated changes between CSE levels and protrusion dynamics were observed.
- Microtubules (MTs) are hypothesized to stabilize CSE and regulate its dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Cell surface excess (CSE) is a critical component for dynamic cell morphology changes in 3D.
- Microtubules (MTs) likely play a key regulatory role in managing CSE, impacting cell motility.
- MTs' influence on CSE may explain differential effects on mesenchymal versus amoeboid motility.
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