Motor Proteins and Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Cell Migration

Cell migration is orchestrated by the coordinated activity of motor proteins and the dynamic rearrangement of cytoskeletal networks. Actin-based motors (principally myosins) convert chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work, powering polymer assembly at the leading edge and contractile forces at the cell rear. Meanwhile, microtubule motors (kinesins and dyneins) deliver cargoes and signalling molecules that regulate polarity and adhesion turnover. Actin polymerisation, nucleated by complexes such as Arp2/3 or formins, drives lamellipodial protrusion and filopodial extension, while myosin II-mediated contractility facilitates retraction of the trailing edge. Crosstalk between actin and microtubule systems guides directional persistence, and feedback from focal adhesions adjusts traction forces. Regulatory proteins—cofilin, tropomyosin and adhesion adaptors—fine-tune filament turnover, organisation and linkage to the extracellular matrix. Together, these elements underpin essential processes from embryonic development and immune surveillance to wound healing and cancer metastasis.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated how branched actin networks control membrane dynamics beyond protrusion. In a genetically tractable model, active disassembly of cortical F-actin and its reassembly on secretory vesicles were shown to be prerequisites for efficient exocytosis. This work revealed that Arp2/3- and WASp-mediated nucleation at fusion sites generates directional force to drive cargo expulsion and vesicle integration with the apical membrane. These findings refine our understanding of how actin remodelling modules adapt to varied cellular contexts and provide insight into the mechanics of membrane trafficking and protrusion formation.

Motor Proteins and Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Cell Migration publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in motor proteins and cytoskeletal dynamics in cell migration across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Motor protein: A molecule that converts ATP energy into mechanical force to move along cytoskeletal filaments.

F-actin: Polymerised actin filaments that form networks and bundles critical for cell shape and movement.

Microtubule: Cylindrical filaments composed of tubulin, providing tracks for organelle transport and cell polarity.

Lamellipodium: A broad, sheet-like protrusion at the leading edge of a migrating cell driven by branched actin networks.

Filopodium: A finger-like extension composed of parallel actin bundles that probes the extracellular environment.

Arp2/3 complex: A seven-subunit assembly that nucleates branched actin filaments to form dense, crosslinked networks.

Integrin: A transmembrane adhesion receptor that links the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton and transduces mechanical signals.

References

1. Arp2/3-mediated F-actin formation controls regulated exocytosis in vivo. Nature Communications (2015).
2. Actin dynamics switches two distinct modes of endosomal fusion in yolk sac visceral endoderm cells. eLife (2024).
3. Myo1f has an essential role in γδT intraepithelial lymphocyte adhesion and migration. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
4. Myosins as fundamental components during tumorigenesis: diverse and indispensable. Oncotarget (2016).