Scientists Discover How Cells Can Change Shape on Their Own

The mechanisms underlying spontaneous cellular morphogenesis in the absence of external cues have long eluded researchers. A team from Japan has now identified a novel class of mobile protein assemblies termed self-propelled treadmilling actin filaments (SpTAs), which function as autonomous particles capable of self-propulsion. Their findings, published in EMBO Reports, demonstrate that these structures represent a fundamental mechanism of cellular self-organization.

Unlike conventional actin filaments, which remain largely stationary within the cytoskeleton, SpTAs exhibit autonomous locomotive behavior. This movement is sustained through treadmilling dynamics, a process wherein actin monomers are perpetually added at one end while being removed at the other. The resulting equilibrium establishes sustained filament propulsion without requiring external energy sources beyond ATP hydrolysis.

Although SpTAs demonstrate seemingly stochastic movement patterns, their collective behavior generates directional forces acting upon the plasma membrane. These forces promote membrane protrusion formation, thereby shaping overall cellular morphology. The researchers established that SpTAs are primarily responsible for driving these protrusive activities that define cellular architecture.

Sources: phys.org