Researchers have discovered that the single-celled eukaryote Lacrymaria utilizes unconventional cytoskeletal components to achieve its remarkable dynamic shape-shifting abilities. This revolutionary finding sheds light on the evolution and diversity of eukaryotic cell movement. The study provides valuable insights for future biomimetic designs in microscale robotics. Cytoskeleton, Eukaryote
The Remarkable Shape-Shifting Abilities of Lacrymaria
Eukaryotic cells, such as those found in plants and animals, possess the remarkable ability to dynamically change their shape to fulfill various cellular functions and sustain vital biological processes. This shape-shifting capability is largely driven by the organization and arrangement of cytoskeletal components.
One of the most fascinating examples of this phenomenon is the unicellular ciliated eukaryote Lacrymaria. Lacrymaria is known for its extraordinary dynamic shape-shifting, possessing a flexible “cell neck” that can extend several to tens of times its body length to capture prey, showcasing astonishing elasticity and freedom of motion. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying this extreme morphological change have remained elusive – until now.
Unveiling the Unconventional Cytoskeletal Secrets of Lacrymaria
Through a collaborative research effort led by Prof. Miao Wei from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the team has unveiled the molecular composition of Lacrymaria’s remarkable neck structure. Utilizing mass spectrometry analysis and a high-quality genome of Lacrymaria, the researchers discovered that the shape-shifting ability of this single-celled eukaryote involves a unique actin-myosin system, rather than the calcium-dependent contractile system found in other ciliated organisms.
The researchers revealed that the molecular and structural basis of the neck contraction system in Lacrymaria consists of a myoneme cytoskeleton composed of centrin-myosin proteins, and a microtubule cytoskeleton that contains a novel giant protein. Additionally, they identified the presence of Plasmodium-like unconventional actin, which may form highly dynamic short filaments, facilitating the coordination between these two cytoskeletal systems and driving the extreme cellular deformation of Lacrymaria cells.
Implications for Understanding Cell Movement and Biomimetic Design
The findings of this study are significant not only for understanding cell movement but also for the evolution and diversity of the cytoskeleton. As Prof. Miao stated, “This is the second novel cytoskeletal system discovered in ciliates, following our earlier findings in Spirostomum. Eukaryotes exhibit a diverse range of cytoskeletal systems, and ciliates like Lacrymaria and Spirostomum, known for their extraordinary cellular motility, provide excellent models for investigating these novel cytoskeletal systems.”
The insights gained from this research on Lacrymaria’s unique cytoskeletal components and their role in dynamic shape-shifting can have significant implications for future biomimetic designs in microscale robotics. By understanding and potentially replicating the mechanisms that enable Lacrymaria’s remarkable shape-changing abilities, researchers may be able to develop innovative robotic systems capable of similarly dynamic and adaptable movements at the microscale level.
