Actomyosin oscillation of collective cells

Morphogenetic cell movements are critically important in many physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development and cancer metastasis. During morphogenetic cell movements, dynamic changes of actomyosin cytoskeleton network play critical roles. Although actomyosin has been well known for the effect of cellular mechanic forces and thus its participation to mechanics during tissue morphogenesis, recent studies highlighted that actomyosin often behaves as a periodic cycle of assembly and disassembly, a phenomenon named as actomyosin oscillation. Although actomyosin oscillation has been demonstrated in a few biological processes, our understanding about this oscillating behavior is very limited, not only in its controlling mechanism but also its varied biological function. Here, we will address both upstream controlling mechanism and downstream biological effect of actomyosin oscillation in collective cell movements by using new optogenetic tools.

Funding

Other funding : ATIP-Avenir