FOR 629: Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Motility

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The central topic of the Research Unit is the interplay between molecular motors, the components of cell adhesion complexes, and the actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeleton. This complex interplay and its modulation by chemical and mechanical signals plays a key role in defining cell shape, motility, adhesion, and polarity. During embryogenesis, it is important for the organisation of three-dimensional cellular assemblies leading to the formation of tissues and organs. Increased motility contributes to invasion and metastasis of tumour cells. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in identifying the key players that drive a wide range of motile events and important details about the underlying molecular mechanisms have been revealed. However, information about the way in which actin filaments interact with microtubules and microtubules with focal adhesions is still scarce.