Directional cell movement depends on an intracellular calcium gradient. This study identifies calcium flickers in migrating fibroblasts and these are most active at the leading edge of cells. In the presence of a chemotactic gradient, an asymmetric gradient of calcium flicker activity develops which promotes turning of cells towards the direction of the chemoattractant.
- Chaoliang Wei
- Xianhua Wang
- Heping Cheng