How do microtubules guide migrating cells?

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2002 Dec;3(12):957-64. doi: 10.1038/nrm971.

Abstract

Microtubules have long been implicated in the polarization of migrating cells, but how they carry out this role is unclear. Here, we propose that microtubules determine cell polarity by modulating the pattern of adhesions that a cell develops with the underlying matrix, through focal inhibitions of contractility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane Structures / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Polarity*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins