Scientists Discover How Cells Can Change Shape on Their Own

Scientists have long understood that cells can alter their shape, but the way they do this without outside signals has remained unclear. Now, researchers from Japan have made an important discovery. They found mobile protein assemblies called self-propelled treadmilling actin filaments, or SpTAs. These function as self-propelled particles that exist within the cell.

Actin filaments are naturally occurring protein structures found throughout living cells. The newly identified SpTAs differ from regular actin filaments because they possess the ability to move independently. This self-propelled movement is driven by a process called treadmilling, where proteins continuously add and remove building blocks at opposite ends of the filament.

Despite moving in seemingly random directions, SpTAs collectively exert force on the cell membrane. They push the membrane outward, causing protrusions to form. These protrusions are crucial because they largely determine the overall shape and structure of the cell. The research demonstrates that SpTAs play a key role in cellular self-organization.

Sources: phys.org