New understanding of cell movement may spur development of cancer treatment

According to researchers, the protein fragment operates as a guide for cell movement. It works by sensing chemicals that induce a cell to move into the right direction. The molecular machinery needed for cell movement then uses the fragment as a guide and begins accumulating at the front of a cell in response to a variety of chemical messengers.

The study is the first to determine the molecule responsible for internally choreographing directed cell migration.

During the study, researchers discovered a molecule called Dock180, a signaling protein that binds to PIP3. PIP3 is a lipid that accumulates on the front of a cell. At the hind end of the cell, enzymes degrade the PIP3 lipid, creating a gradient from one end of the cell to the other.

This PIP3 lipid gradient sets the cell in motion toward the right direction. The PIP3-binding portion of Dock180 senses the gradient, and Dock 180 starts accumulating at the leading edge of the cell. The molecule also brings a host of additional molecules to the front end of the cell, triggering a series of internal events that begin moving the cell forward.

The researchers are now looking at developing a three-dimensional picture of PIP3-binding domain’s molecular structure. The team, led by associate professor and Burnham Cancer Center acting director Dr Kristiina Vuorinow, hope to be able to make small chemicals that inhibit inappropriate cell migration, including the types seen in metastatic cancer cells.