Published online
doi:10.1083/jcb.1851iti2
The Journal of Cell Biology, Vol. 185, No. 1, 2-
The Rockefeller University Press, 0021-9525 $30.00
© Williams
Speedy versus sluggish cells
| |
Ou and Vale measured speed and distance of fluorescent cells (white) in the worm.
|
|
Some cells live a fast-paced life, traveling far and wide. Others are more sedentary and stay closer to home. Ou and Vale now report molecular differences that underlie these lifestyle choices.
Cell migration studies in living multicellular organisms are not easy. Ou and Vale used spinning disc confocal microscopy—a technique that allows fine focusing and rapid image capture—to follow the paths of individual fluorescent cells in the bodies of worms. Images were captured from up to 10 worms at once over a period of hours, and the microscope automatically moved to specific focal points for each cell in each worm. Because the worms (and cells) were alive and moving, however, Ou had to readjust the focal points every 15 minutes or so.
The cells of interest were neuroblasts, which are known to vary in their migration distances. The authors now report that these cells also vary in their speed, and faster cells ultimately go farther.
Compared with their sluggish sisters, fast cells boosted their levels of a cytoskeletal regulator, lowered their levels of an extracellular matrix attachment factor, or did both. Essentially, they revved the engine and/or took off the brakes.
The team now plans to use its microscopy setup to investigate how neuroblasts move in multiple cell migration mutants.
References
Ou, G., and R.D. Vale. 2009. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.200812077.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
Ruth Williams
ruth.williams{at}rockefeller.edu
CiteULike 
Complore 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Facebook 
Reddit 
Technorati 
Twitter What's this?
Related Article
-
Molecular signatures of cell migration in C. elegans Q neuroblasts
- Guangshuo Ou and Ronald D. Vale
J. Cell Biol. 2009 185: 77-85.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
