Cells Sync Up
Researchers uncover a self-reinforcing mechanism that lets cells move together in fruit fly egg chambers, shedding light on tissue development and wound healing.
Researchers at the University of Chicago and UC San Diego have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how cells synchronize their movement to form organs. Using a combination of live imaging, genetic experiments, and mathematical modeling, the study found that cells can spontaneously organize and rotate together through a self-reinforcing mechanism involving a specific protein.
The study, published in PNAS, revealed that the motion of cells polarizes the protein to the back of the cell, which promotes further movement by the cells behind it in the same direction. This mechanism is mediated by mechanical connections between adjacent support cells and the global egg chamber geometry.
According to Sally Horne-Badovinac, Ph.D., professor of molecular genetics and cell biology at the University of Chicago and senior author of the study, epithelial cells that form surfaces in the body undergo collective migrations during tissue development, wound healing, and the spread of cancers. However, when there are closed surfaces, there are no external cues that tell the cells which way to go, making this a self-organized process.
To capture the start of rotation in the egg chamber, graduate student Sierra Schwabach used a mixture of chemicals that forms a cushion to hold the egg chamber in place for up to 12 hours. This allowed her to observe the cells for an extended period, providing valuable insights into the self-reinforcing mechanism.
## Why it matters The discovery of this self-reinforcing mechanism has significant implications for our understanding of collective cell migration in various biological processes, including tissue development, wound healing, and cancer spread. By shedding light on how cells teach themselves to move together, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved in these phenomena.
The study's findings also highlight the importance of mechanical connections between cells and the role of global geometry in mediating cell movements. As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of collective cell migration, this discovery is likely to have a profound impact on our understanding of developmental biology and disease mechanisms.
