2025/01/02 by Chrystian Junqueira Alves, Theodore Hannah, Sita Sadia +15 · 1 voice
Neuroscience · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Axon Guidance and Neuronal Signaling #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Erythrocyte Function and Pathophysiology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41467-024-55056-6
openalex publication_date 2025/01/02 · openalex created_date 2025/01/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with diffuse infiltration. Here, we demonstrate how GBM cells usurp guidance receptor Plexin-B2 for confined migration through restricted space. Using live-cell imaging to track GBM cells negotiating microchannels, we reveal endocytic vesicle accumulation at cell front and filamentous actin assembly at cell rear in a polarized manner. These processes are interconnected and require Plexin-B2 signaling. We further show that Plexin-B2 governs membrane tension and other membrane features such as endocytosis, phospholipid composition, and inner leaflet surface charge, thus providing biophysical mechanisms by which Plexin-B2 promotes GBM invasion. Together, our studies unveil how GBM cells regulate membrane tension and mechano-electrical coupling to adapt to physical constraints and achieve polarized confined migration.