2008/06/09 by O. Fackler, Robert Grosse · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · Neuroscience · #Actin #Biochemistry #Biology #Bleb (medicine) #Cell #Cell adhesion #Cell biology #Cell division #Cell membrane #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Cellular transport and secretion #Context (archaeology) #Cytokinesis #Cytoskeleton #Erythrocyte Function and Pathophysiology #Motility #Neuroscience
paper · pdf · doi:10.1083/jcb.200802081
openalex publication_date 2008/06/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Plasma membrane blebs are dynamic cytoskeleton-regulated cell protrusions that have been implicated in apoptosis, cytokinesis, and cell movement. Influencing Rho-guanosine triphosphatase activities and subsequent actomyosin dynamics appears to constitute a core component for bleb formation. In this paper, we discuss recent evidence in support of a central role of nonapoptotic membrane blebbing for cell migration and cancer cell invasion as well as advances in our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Based on these studies, we propose that in a physiological context, bleb-associated cell motility reflects a cell's response to reduced substratum adhesion. The importance of blebbing as a functional protrusion is underscored by the existence of multiple molecular mechanisms that govern actin-mediated bleb retraction.