Cytoskeletal Crosstalk in Cell Migration

Abstract

Cell migration is a highly dynamic process driven by the cytoskeleton, which mainly comprises the actin microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. During migration, cells polarize and form protrusions at the front, where new adhesions are formed. These nascent adhesions mature into focal adhesions that transmit the traction forces required for movement. All of these steps are coupled to major cytoskeletal rearrangements and are controlled by a wide array of signaling cascades. The constant crosstalk between actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments ensures their coordinated dynamics to facilitate cell migration. Here, we first describe how master regulators, such as RhoGTPases, can simultaneously control the three cytoskeletal structures. We then summarize the recent crosstalk mechanisms by which cytoskeletal networks can locally regulate one another in order to function in a coordinated and efficient manner during migration.

Keywords: actin; adhesion; cytoskeleton; focal adhesions; intermediate filaments; mechanotransduction; microtubules.