Nonmuscle myosin IIb is involved in the guidance of fibroblast migration.

ABSTRACT: Although myosin II is known to play an important role in cell migration, little is known about its specific functions. We have addressed the function of one of the isoforms of myosin II, myosin IIB, by analyzing the movement and mechanical characteristics of fibroblasts where this protein has been ablated by gene disruption. Myosin IIB null cells displayed multiple unstable and disorganized protrusions, although they were still able to generate a large fraction of traction forces when cultured on flexible polyacrylamide substrates. However, the traction forces were highly disorganized relative to the direction of cell migration. Analysis of cell migration patterns indicated an increase in speed and decrease in persistence, which were likely responsible for the defects in directional moveme

SUBMITTER: Lo CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC363055 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature