Testing models of cell cortex wave generation by Rho GTPases

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Rho GTPases are crucial for cell morphogenesis, self-organizing into dynamic patterns like waves.
• Existing theoretical models for Rho GTPase patterning lack experimental data differentiating molecular concentration and activity dynamics.

Approach:

• Simultaneously imaged total RhoA and active RhoA in excitable cell cortices.
• Focused on the dynamics within nascent waves of Rho activity and F-actin polymerization.

Key Points:

• Active RhoA accumulation precedes total RhoA accumulation during wave initiation.
• This temporal difference allows discrimination between competing theoretical models of cortical Rho wave propagation.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide critical experimental data to refine models of Rho GTPase self-organization.
• Understanding RhoA dynamics is key to deciphering fundamental cell-morphogenetic processes.