Hyderabad Scientists Uncover Protein Key to Cell Movement Dynamics

Scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cells navigate their environments. Their research reveals that the protein SPIN90, in conjunction with the Arp2/3 protein complex, plays a crucial role in driving the growth of actin filaments essential for cell movement. This study was published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.

The team, led by Dr. Saikat Chowdhury, focused on the mechanisms that allow cells, particularly white blood cells, to extend rapidly and pursue pathogens. According to a press release from CCMB, this discovery sheds light on how cells can adapt their internal structures to move and change shape effectively. Dr. Chowdhury stated, “The study can help us understand how cells remodel themselves in health and disease, including cancer, immune disorders, and wound healing.”

One of the most interesting aspects of this research is the unique functionality of SPIN90. The researchers found that the SPIN90-Arp2/3 complex initiates the growth of new actin filaments in two directions simultaneously, at an angle of 150 degrees. This dual-action mechanism is essential for the rapid and efficient movement of cells.

The study utilized India’s advanced cryogenic electron microscope at CCMB, which provided an unprecedented view of the processes involved at nearly atomic resolution. Justus Francis, the first author of the study and a PhD student in Dr. Chowdhury’s lab, emphasized the importance of their findings: “We were able to see the precise mechanism of actin filament formation from its earliest stages. It is the same mechanism that controls how all mammalian cells divide and function.”

This groundbreaking research not only enhances our understanding of cellular behavior but also holds potential implications for various medical conditions. By uncovering the fundamental processes that govern cell movement, scientists may develop new strategies for treating diseases where cell movement plays a critical role, such as in cancer metastasis or during immune responses.

As the field of cellular biology continues to evolve, this discovery by the team at CCMB marks an important step towards unraveling the complexities of cell dynamics, offering insights that could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches in the future.