Figure 1.

Interaction between lateral signaling and protrusive activity drives shape volatility during cell migration. (A) Migrating cells often extend multiple protrusions that lead to a multi-axial morphology. Pk1 and Arhgap21/23 function at the lateral cortex of the cell to confine protrusive activities. The activity of lateral signaling includes regulation of RhoA, cytoskeleton, actomyosin, focal adhesions, etc. Smurf2 mediates the negative regulation of lateral signaling. (B) Shape volatility of migrating cells depends on proper coordination of lateral signaling. Perturbation of lateral signaling leads to inhibited motility with distinct morphologies.