Cell locomotion in vitro by Xenopus laevis gastrula mesodermal cells

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Cell biology
• Xenopus laevis research

Background:

• Understanding cell migration is crucial for comprehending embryonic development.
• Xenopus laevis embryos are a valuable model for studying early developmental processes like gastrulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro locomotion of Xenopus laevis prospective mesodermal cells.
• To characterize the migratory behavior and cell-cell interactions of these cells.
• To compare in vitro cell movement with in vivo gastrulation dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Dissociating prospective mesodermal cells from Xenopus laevis gastrulae.
• Culturing cells on collagen and fetal bovine serum-coated glass surfaces.
• Observing and quantifying cell locomotion, lamellipodia, and filopodia formation.
• Analyzing cell-cell interactions and their effect on migratory activity.

Main Results:

• Prospective mesodermal cells displayed robust locomotion (4.3 microns/min) using lamellipodia and filopodia.
• Contact between mesodermal cells induced paralysis of lamellipodial activity.
• Mesodermal cells contacting ectodermal cells did not exhibit contact paralysis and continued migration.
• Locomotion rates and cell shapes in vitro mimicked those observed during in vivo gastrulation.
• Ectodermal cells and blastula mesodermal cells showed no locomotion under identical conditions.

Conclusions:

• Xenopus laevis mesodermal cell locomotion in vitro accurately reflects in vivo gastrulation movements.
• Cell-cell interactions, specifically contact paralysis between mesodermal cells, play a significant role in regulating migration.
• The study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms governing gastrulation in Xenopus laevis.