Persistent Cell Motion in the Absence of External Signals: A Search Strategy for Eukaryotic Cells

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002093
• Publication Date: 2008-05-06T22:28:33Z
• Authors: Liang Li; Simon F. Nørrelykke; Edward C. Cox
• Keywords: SIGNAL (programming language); Persistence (discontinuity)

Eukaryotic cells are large enough to detect signals and then orient them by differentiating the signal strength across length breadth of cell. Amoebae, fibroblasts, neutrophils growth cones all behave in this way. Little is known however about cell motion searching behavior absence a signal. Is individual best characterized as random walk? Do have search strategy when they beyond range would otherwise move toward? Here we ask if single, isolated, Dictyostelium Polysphondylium amoebae bias their external cues.We placed single well-isolated on nutrient-free agar surface followed at 10 sec intervals for approximately hr, analyzed with respect velocity, turning angle, persistence length, time, comparing results expectation variety different types motion.We find that amoeboid well described special kind motion: Amoebae show long time ( min) which start lose direction; forward zig-zag manner; make turns every 1-2 min average. They remembering last turn away from it. Interpreting consisting runs turns, duration run amplitude both found be exponentially distributed. We greatly improves chances finding target relative performing walk. believe other eukaryotic may employ similar seeking conditions or sources not yet within detection system.