Plasma membrane area increases with spread area by exocytosis of a GPI-anchored protein compartment.

ABSTRACT: The role of plasma membrane (PM) area as a critical factor during cell motility is poorly understood, mainly due to an inability to precisely follow PM area dynamics. To address this fundamental question, we developed static and dynamic assays to follow exocytosis, endocytosis, and PM area changes during fibroblast spreading. Because the PM area cannot increase by stretch, spreading proceeds by the flattening of membrane folds and/or by the addition of new membrane. Using laser tweezers, we found that PM tension progressively decreases during spreading, suggesting the addition of new membrane. Next, we found that exocytosis increases the PM area by 40-60% during spreading. Reducing PM area reduced spread area, and, in a reciprocal manner, reducing spreadable area reduced PM area, indicatin

SUBMITTER: Gauthier NC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2710839 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature