Articles tagged with Cell Migration
Researchers studied fruit fly ovaries to understand cellular motion, discovering that tissue geometry creates a path of least resistance. The team found that cells choose central paths despite multiple side paths available, and this choice is influenced by the physical space, not just chemical signals.
Researchers discovered that actin filaments serve as tiny stretchy tension sensors in cells, transmitting mechanical signals to other proteins. The findings have significant implications for understanding how cells mechanically control movement, including cardiac cell contraction and motile cell migration.
During annual migration, bats selectively suppress cellular immune responses and favour non-cellular humoral immunity to conserve energy. This strategy helps them survive the strenuous journeys of up to 2,000 km.
Researchers observed cells moving through small channels to understand cell migration in 3D environments. The findings suggest that cancer cells may penetrate tissues and be blocked within small capillaries, potentially allowing them to metastasize.
Researchers have discovered that human white blood cells use a new mechanism called molecular paddling to swim and migrate through fluids without changing shape. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of cell migration, which could impact our understanding of immune responses and cancer research.
A new study reveals a previously unknown protein called STEEP that plays a crucial role in the migration of STING protein within immune cells. This discovery provides valuable knowledge about how infectious diseases affect the immune system and could lead to new principles for understanding immune function.
Researchers at IST Austria found that actin flows from front to tail, driving cell movement, and can couple with environment without integrins, enabling flexible crawling through tissues. This 'off-road' mode of locomotion allows cells to migrate efficiently in various environments.
Peter Lwigale has been awarded a four-year, $1.5 million NIH R01 grant to investigate the function of Npnt, a protein abundant in the cornea's extracellular matrix. The study aims to inform therapies for malformed eyes and injuries.
This study found that HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cells exhibit enhanced radiosensitivity and increased cell motility after radiation therapy. In contrast, HPV-negative OPSCC cells show decreased radiosensitivity and reduced cell motility.
A team of researchers has systematically characterized 145 regulatory proteins that control the cytoskeleton's dynamic remodeling process. This comprehensive database reveals a new perspective on how these proteins work together to coordinate processes such as cell division, differentiation, embryonic development, and wound healing.
Scientists from Japan's University of Tsukuba discovered a regulatory pathway governing the first quiescence period in Drosophila germline cells. This break is crucial for pole cell migration and gamete development. The study confirmed that the two rest periods are essential for Drosophila germline development.
The NCAM2 protein is essential for the formation of structures for cognitive learning and brain development. A deficit in NCAM2 causes incorrect neuron migration, altered morphology, and cytoskeleton changes, leading to neuronal polarization issues.
New research on cancer cells' interaction with their environment reveals the importance of physical cues in guiding cell migration. A novel optical tweezer-based tool probes mechanical cues to study tumor behavior.
Researchers developed an optogenetic method called mRNA-LARIAT to control mRNA position and translation in living cells. The technique uses blue light to trap specific mRNAs, reducing protein synthesis and cell motility.
Researchers at University of Helsinki identified tropomodulin as a key player in maintaining the balance between protrusive and contractile actin-filament machineries. The protein's depletion leads to severe problems in cell shape and force production, associated with various cancers.
Researchers have discovered that the force each cell applies to the surface beneath it primarily controls its shape and motion in a collective cell migration. This finding provides new insights into how cells rearrange and migrate as a group, which could lead to the development of new treatments to speed up wound healing.
A protein found in the bran of foxtail millet has been shown to reduce plaque buildup and inflammation in mice with genetic predispositions to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that this natural compound may have great potential in preventing and treating heart disease.
Scientists at University of Helsinki and Institut Jacques Monod have identified a molecular machinery that drives rapid depolymerisation of actin filaments and recycles resulting monomers. This discovery provides new avenues for developing therapeutics to inhibit cancer cell migration.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a new propulsion mechanism for cells moving through complex environments. They found that self-propulsion without exerting force on the environment is possible in active matter.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a previously unknown cellular component called intracellular nanovesicles (INVs) that deliver proteins in heavy traffic. INVs are approximately 30 nanometres across and could provide clues to the process that allows cells, such as cancer cells, to migrate within the body.
Researchers discovered that megakaryocytes influence the migration of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils in the bone marrow. The study found that large megakaryocytes act as passive obstacles, reducing neutrophil mobility. This new understanding highlights the importance of biomechanical properties in regulating cell motility.
IUPUI researchers used FRET sensors to monitor the force dynamics during cell movement, finding that cancer cells exhibit low tensions and slow mobility when interacting with bone cells. This study aims to provide clues for controlling cell migration and potentially stopping breast cancer spread.
A new laboratory test could accurately predict which breast cancers are likely to spread and help clinicians select optimal treatments. The test, called Microfluidic Assay for quantification of Cell Invasion (MAqCI), assesses three key features of metastasis in cancer cells.
A study suggests that low plasma levels of PDIA1, an enzyme involved in protein disulfide isomerization, are associated with a higher risk of thrombosis. Researchers found no correlation between PDIA1 levels and well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A team of researchers at the University of Münster discovered a mechanism that triggers subsequent lamellipodial cycles in cells, allowing them to maintain direction over time. This discovery sheds light on how cells navigate their environment without external signals.
Researchers found that leukocytes select the path of least resistance by using their nucleus to measure pore sizes and guide movement. The nucleus acts as a mechanical gauge, pushing forward to insert into multiple pores to determine the largest size.
A new study from the University of Virginia identifies a compound that can recruit oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell, to repair damage in the peripheral nervous system. This finding has implications for treating debilitating neurological disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Scientists have devised an elegant tool to quantify the movement and changing morphology of cells through time using machine learning. The software, Usiigaci, analyzes microscopic snapshots of migrating cells and detects their changing outlines, enabling single-cell tracking at unprecedented resolution.
A recent study has found that Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) acts as a sensor to mechanical forces generated by the cytoskeleton, activating biochemical signals regulating cell migration. This discovery provides new insights into how cancer cells invade and metastasize, potentially leading to therapies targeting this mechanism.
A study published in Cell Systems has characterized global phosphorylation and protein abundance changes in response to physical force in Xenopus embryos. The research team identified precise modulatory points in response to force, highlighting the importance of mechanical forces in tissue homeostasis.
A team of researchers from Osaka University found that aggregated social amoebae require physical contact to induce migration, contradicting the long-held assumption that chemical signals play a crucial role. The study highlights the importance of examining cellular processes at all stages of development, particularly in understanding ...
Macrophages play a vital role in controlling the processes of nerve repair following damage by secreting repulsive cues. The interaction between Slit3 and Robo1 allows for the migration of Schwann cells and regrowing nerve projections, enabling successful regeneration and recovery of nerve function.
UCLA researchers found that a specific protein factor is essential for fibroblast cells to migrate and contribute to wound healing. This discovery may offer new insights into cancer progression and treatment options.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that shootin 1b is essential for neuron migration to the olfactory bulb, which affects brain development and adaptation. The study reveals how shootin 1b mediates a mechanical clutch to generate force for neuronal movement.
Exposure to energetic heavy ions from deep space radiation impairs intestinal epithelial cell migration and triggers senescent signaling. This effect persists for at least a year after exposure, suggesting potential adverse impacts on astronaut GI function and health.
A team of researchers found that blood serum triggers spontaneous movement and growth in dormant skin cells, paving the way for new insights into wound healing mechanisms. The study reveals that blood plays a key role in initiating cell migration and proliferation even without a visible wound.
A team of biologists and civil engineers developed the first 3D computer model to capture breast duct development, using science and engineering principles to predict cellular forces. The model reveals that cells migrate by pulling forward and pushing backward, forming a teardrop shape.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a single molecule, EphB2, that makes the yes-or-no decision to form stable connections between brain cells. The molecule repels unproductive contacts and connects where appropriate based on signal strength.
Researchers investigated how cells respond to cylindrical surfaces and a sphere-with-skirt geometry, finding that cells change their shapes and internal structures. Cells on stiff surfaces form stress fibers, which are influenced by surface curvature, enabling new tools in biology.
Mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid showed greater seizure severity and reduced neural migration. Voluntary exercise alleviated VPA-induced effects, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for prenatal VPA-exposed individuals with neurological disorders.
Engineered 3D morphogen gradients in hydrogels direct human salivary gland stem/progenitor cell differentiation into ductal and acinar cell phenotypes. Growth factor gradients support salivary gland cell motility and can serve as instructive matrices for tissue engineering.
Researchers found that fat body cells in Drosophila propel themselves forward towards wounds using a wave-like motion, effectively sealing them and preventing infection. The cells work together with immune cells to aid healing and increase antimicrobial peptide production.
A new video database has been created to track cellular migration, providing insights into normal processes and alterations involved in diseases like cancer. The database contains 52 videos analyzed from the Cell Tracking Challenge, offering a guide for researchers to select algorithmic solutions.
Researchers discovered that nuclei play a crucial role in cell movement, particularly in 3D environments. Cells lacking nuclei or disconnected from the cytoskeleton exhibit reduced mobility on soft surfaces and fail to move in three-dimensional matrices.
Researchers developed an antibody selection system to identify therapeutically significant antibodies that induce microglia-like cells. These cells migrated to the brain and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, reducing brain amyloid deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Oncotarget identifies a key step in the modification of Snail1, which can alter its structure and function to promote prostate cancer cell migration. The researchers found that preventing this modification can abolish the migratory and invasive properties of human prostate cancer cells.
Researchers at MUSC identified a mechanism that regulates signaling events leading to cell migration and metastasis. The study found that ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) affects cell migration by disrupting the ability of cells to form focal points in primary cilia.
Endocytic waves initiated by clathrin emerge in some cell populations and are temporally related to downstream waves of F-BAR and other actin regulating proteins. This study reveals the link between endocytosis and generation of cortical actin waves, providing insight into how cells maintain plasma membrane composition.
A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the orientation of integrins on cell surfaces in real-time, revealing that actin flow inside the cell aligns with external forces. The study provides new insights into how cells migrate towards wounds or pathogens, shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular movement.
Researchers found that ERK activity propagates as a wave, guiding cells to migrate in the opposite direction. This mechanism may be used to suppress cancer cell infiltration.
Researchers focus on cell motility in cancer, a key characteristic of malignant tumors. They aim to control the motility of cells using existing drugs and develop new therapeutic strategies.
A research team led by Prof. Robert Qi uncovered a previously overlooked mechanism controlling the organization of microtubule cytoskeletons. They found that PolD1 physically associates with γTuRCs, blocking microtubule nucleation and regulating various cellular activities such as Golgi assembly and cell polarization.
Researchers used flat worms to study the role of migrating stem cells in cancer. They found that regulatory genes controlling cell migration are also essential for planarian stem cells, providing a promising model for understanding human cancers.
A new study reveals that microglial cells are essential for normal brain function, and impaired TREM2 gene expression can lead to devastating consequences. The researchers found that mutations in the TREM2 gene disrupt microglial function, leading to impaired phagocytosis and catastrophic effects on energy metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that populations of E. coli evolved in two divergent paths, either improving swimming speed or growth rate, but not both, due to trade-offs. This study sheds light on how evolution proceeds when performance depends on multiple traits restricted by a trade-off.
The TGF-beta cytokine modulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and tumor initiator capacity. The study reveals a dual role of TGF-beta in cancer, acting as both a suppressor and enhancer.
Researchers discover Fat2 and Lar proteins trigger leading and trailing edge movements during epithelial migration, enabling coordinated tissue movement. This process is crucial for embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression.
Researchers discovered that macrophages transmit messages between non-immune cells, such as pigment cells in fish, to facilitate complex patterns like stripes. This unique function of macrophages suggests they may play a broader role in intercellular communication, affecting tissue development, regeneration, and cancer.
Researchers at OIST have developed a novel technique that targets lipid rafts on cancer cell membranes to block migration. The molecule works by physically pinning the cancer cell, causing it to rupture and leading to cell death.
Researchers found that fibrosarcoma cells can't perform piston movement to get through tight squeezes, leaving them intact while normal cells use molecular motors to muscle forward.