Protrusion Dynamics
Protrusion Dynamics - Related Videos
08:12
A Graphical User Interface for Software-assisted Tracking of Protein Concentration in Dynamic Cellular Protrusions
0 Views •
2017
We present a software solution for semi-automated tracking of relative protein concentration along the length of dynamic cellular protrusions.
05:50
Measuring Cell-Edge Protrusion Dynamics during Spreading using Live-Cell Microscopy
0 Views •
Cited by 2 •
2021
This protocol aims to measure the dynamic parameters (protrusions, retractions, ruffles) of protrusions at the edge of spreading cells.
01:28
Types of Membrane Protrusions
0 Views •
2023
The protrusion of the cell surface is an initial step for several cellular processes, including cell migration, phagocytosis, and neurite outgrowth. These membrane protrusions are a result of cytoskeletal rearrangement. The most widely observed cell protrusions include lamellipodia, pseudopodia, filopodia, microvilli, invadopodia, and podosomes. These protrusions can be of two types — static or dynamic. The microvilli, an example of stable protrusions, are finger-like projections with a...
06:37
Protrusion Force Microscopy: A Method to Quantify Forces Developed by Cell Protrusions
0 Views •
Cited by 5 •
2018
Here, we detail the experimental techniques used to evaluate the protrusion forces that podosomes apply on a compliant film, from the preparation of the film to the automated analysis of topographical images.
12:03
Dynamics of Structures
0 Views •
2023
Source: Roberto Leon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA It is rare nowadays that a whole year goes by without a major earthquake event wreaking havoc somewhere around the world. In some cases, like the 2005 Banda Ache earthquake in Indonesia, the damage involved large geographic areas and casualties in the six figures. In general, the number and intensity of earthquakes is not increasing, however, the vulnerability of the built environment is...
FAQs
Actin polymerization generates force at the cell edge by adding filaments beneath the plasma membrane, pushing it outward. Filament turnover then reshapes the structure, while myosin-generated forces can alter tension and promote contraction. The balance among polymerization, disassembly, and contractile activity determines whether a protrusion advances smoothly, changes form, or begins to retract.
Adhesion to the extracellular matrix provides a stabilizing connection between the extending cell edge and its surroundings. This connection can help a protrusion persist rather than collapse immediately, while changes in adhesion contribute to retraction. Consequently, protrusion behavior reflects both internal cytoskeletal remodeling and the cell’s mechanical interaction with its external environment.
Persistence depends on coordinated actin polymerization, filament turnover, myosin-generated forces, and extracellular-matrix adhesion. Strong outward polymerization can support extension, whereas increased contractile influence or loss of stabilizing adhesion can favor retraction. Signaling pathways regulate these processes, thereby affecting protrusion speed, persistence, and direction rather than producing a fixed cellular response.
Changes at individual protrusions can bias the direction and effectiveness of whole-cell movement. When signaling pathways coordinate protrusion extension, stabilization, and retraction, the cell can respond to surrounding conditions and reorganize its movement. Studying these local mechanical events therefore helps explain broader behaviors such as migration, tissue organization, wound repair, and cancer invasion.
Live-cell imaging tracks protrusions as they extend, remodel, and retract over time. Researchers can then apply quantitative analysis to evaluate features such as protrusion speed, persistence, and direction. This time-resolved approach links visible changes at the cell edge to dynamic behavior, rather than relying only on a fixed image of the cytoskeleton.
Molecular perturbation changes signaling or cytoskeletal regulation so researchers can test which mechanisms control protrusion behavior. Comparing altered cells with their original behavior can reveal effects on extension, stability, retraction, speed, persistence, or direction. Used alongside live-cell imaging and quantitative analysis, perturbation connects molecular control to measurable cellular outcomes.
The process provides a mechanistic link between cell-edge activity and larger biological outcomes. Its study informs research on cell migration and tissue organization, including wound repair, while also helping examine cancer invasion. In each context, imaging and quantitative measurements can show how altered signaling or mechanics changes the way cells interact with their surroundings.