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Principles of locomotion for simple-shaped cells
J Lee1, A Ishihara, J A Theriot
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Nature
|March 11, 1993
Summary
Fish epidermal keratocytes glide using a simple mechanism. Cell extension and retraction occur perpendicularly to the edge, maintaining shape and size during locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Kinetics
Background:
- Cell locomotion involves complex molecular mechanisms, especially in cells with intricate shapes.
- Understanding the link between molecular motility and whole-cell movement remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the kinematics of fish epidermal keratocyte locomotion.
- To elucidate how cell shape and size are maintained during movement.
Main Methods:
- Developed a kinematic model for keratocyte locomotion.
- Observed and analyzed the movement of lamellar features and photo-marked lines within the cells.
Main Results:
- Keratocyte locomotion is characterized by extension at the front and retraction at the rear, perpendicular to the cell edge.
- A graded distribution of extension and retraction rates maintains cell shape and size.
- Observed circumferential motion of lamellar features and curvature of marked lines support the proposed model.
Conclusions:
- The proposed kinematic description accurately models fish epidermal keratocyte locomotion.
- Relates molecular dynamics, specifically extension and retraction rates, to the overall movement and shape maintenance of the cell.