Nascent adhesions shorten the period of lamellipodium protrusion through the Brownian ratchet mechanism.

ABSTRACT: Directional cell migration is driven by the conversion of oscillating edge motion into lasting periods of leading edge protrusion. Actin polymerization against the membrane and adhesions control edge motion, but the exact mechanisms that determine protrusion period remain elusive. We addressed this by developing a computational model in which polymerization of actin filaments against a deformable membrane and variable adhesion dynamics support edge motion. Consistent with previous reports, our model showed that actin polymerization and adhesion lifetime power protrusion velocity. However, increasing adhesion lifetime decreased the protrusion period. Measurements of adhesion lifetime and edge motion in migrating cells confirmed that adhesion lifetime is associated with and promotes protrusi

SUBMITTER: Carney KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10846621 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature