Actin-myosin network reorganization breaks symmetry at the cell rear to spontaneously initiate polarized cell motility.

ABSTRACT: We have analyzed the spontaneous symmetry breaking and initiation of actin-based motility in keratocytes (fish epithelial cells). In stationary keratocytes, the actin network flow was inwards and radially symmetric. Immediately before motility initiation, the actin network flow increased at the prospective cell rear and reoriented in the perinuclear region, aligning with the prospective axis of movement. Changes in actin network flow at the cell front were detectable only after cell polarization. Inhibition of myosin II or Rho kinase disrupted actin network organization and flow in the perinuclear region and decreased the motility initiation frequency, whereas increasing myosin II activity with calyculin A increased the motility initiation frequency. Local stimulation of myosin activity in

SUBMITTER: Yam PT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2064654 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature