Pseudopodium dynamics and rapid cell movement in Dictyostelium Ras pathway mutants

Chubb, J. R., Wilkins, A., Wessels, D. J., Soll, D. R. and Insall, R. H. (2002) Pseudopodium dynamics and rapid cell movement in Dictyostelium Ras pathway mutants. Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton, 53(2), pp. 150-162. (doi: 10.1002/cm.10064) (PMID:12211111)

Abstract

Loss of either of the Ras pathway members RasS or GefB causes growing Dictyostelium cells to move aberrantly rapidly. In this study, we describe the changes in motility that underlie these phenotypes using computer-assisted 3D dynamic image analysis. Unexpectedly, the two mutants use different mechanisms to achieve rapid migration. The rasS− cells' motility is characterised by highly dynamic cell morphology, with rapidly extending and retracting pseudopodia. The gefB− cells do not have an unusually dynamic morphology, and achieve their efficient translocation by the continual remodelling of an existing dominant anterior pseudopodium. In spite of these dramatic changes in pseudopodium behaviour, the underlying motility cycle of both mutants remains normal. The levels of F-actin in both mutant cell lines are significantly elevated with respect to the wild-type parental cells, suggesting a possible biochemical basis for these emphatic phenotypes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Insall, Professor Robert
• Authors: Chubb, J. R., Wilkins, A., Wessels, D. J., Soll, D. R., and Insall, R. H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0886-1544
• ISSN (Online): 1097-0169
• Published Online: 27 August 2002