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Published on: July 11, 2017
Filopodia In Vitro and In Vivo
Thomas C A Blake1, Jennifer L Gallop1
1Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
Abstract:
Filopodia are dynamic cell surface protrusions used for cell motility, pathogen infection, and tissue development. The molecular mechanisms determining how and where filopodia grow and retract need to integrate mechanical forces and membrane curvature with extracellular signaling and the broader state of the cytoskeleton. The involved actin regulatory machinery nucleates, elongates, and bundles actin filaments separately from the underlying actin cortex. The refined membrane and actin geometry of filopodia, importance of tissue context, high spatiotemporal resolution required, and high degree of redundancy all limit current models. New technologies are improving opportunities for functional insight, with reconstitution of filopodia in vitro from purified components, endogenous genetic modification, inducible perturbation systems, and the study of filopodia in multicellular environments. In this review, we explore recent advances in conceptual models of how filopodia form, the molecules involved in this process, and our latest understanding of filopodia in vitro and in vivo.
Insights
Filopodia, essential for cell movement and development, are complex structures whose formation is being better understood through new technologies. This review explores advances in modeling filopodia growth and retraction mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Filopodia are dynamic actin-rich cell protrusions crucial for cell motility, pathogen interactions, and tissue development.
- Understanding filopodia requires integrating mechanical forces, membrane curvature, extracellular signals, and cytoskeletal dynamics.
- Current models are limited by filopodia's complex geometry, tissue context, and high spatiotemporal resolution needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in conceptual models of filopodia formation.
- To explore the molecular machinery involved in filopodia dynamics.
- To present the latest understanding of filopodia in both in vitro and in vivo systems.
Main Methods:
- Reconstitution of filopodia in vitro using purified components.
- Endogenous genetic modification and inducible perturbation systems.
- Investigation of filopodia within multicellular environments.
Main Results:
- New technologies are enhancing functional insights into filopodia.
- Progress is being made in understanding the integration of mechanical and signaling cues.
- Redundancy and complexity in filopodia regulation are being addressed.
Conclusions:
- Recent technological and conceptual advances are improving our understanding of filopodia formation and function.
- Further research integrating multiple biological scales is needed.
- Filopodia research is moving towards more dynamic and context-aware models.
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