2020/08/28 by Luke Tweedy, Peter A. Thomason, Peggy Paschke +4 · 2 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · Engineering · #Biochemistry #Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology #Biology #Cell #Cell biology #Cell migration #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Chemistry #Chemotaxis #Computer network #Computer science #Dictyostelium #Dictyostelium discoideum #Path (computing) #Process (computing) #Receptor #Slime Mold and Myxomycetes Research #Slime mold
paper · doi:10.1126/science.aay9792
openalex publication_date 2020/08/28 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
During development and metastasis, cells migrate large distances through complex environments. Migration is often guided by chemotaxis, but simple chemoattractant gradients between a source and sink cannot direct cells over such ranges. We describe how self-generated gradients, created by cells locally degrading attractant, allow single cells to navigate long, tortuous paths and make accurate choices between live channels and dead ends. This allows cells to solve complex mazes efficiently. Cells' accuracy at finding live channels was determined by attractant diffusivity, cell speed, and path complexity. Manipulating these parameters directed cells in mathematically predictable ways; specific combinations can even actively misdirect them. We propose that the length and complexity of many long-range migratory processes, including inflammation and germ cell migration, means that self-generated gradients are needed for successful navigation.