Open AccessUsing light to shape chemical gradients for parallel and automated analysis of chemotaxis
Author(s) -
Collins Sean R,
Yang Hee Won,
Bonger Kimberly M,
Guignet Emmanuel G,
Wandless Thomas J,
Meyer Tobias
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
molecular systems biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.523
H-Index - 148
ISSN - 1744-4292
DOI - 10.15252/msb.20156027
Subject(s) - chemotaxis , directionality , biology , chemotaxis assay , protein subunit , microbiology and biotechnology , stimulus (psychology) , biological system , phenotype , receptor , biophysics , computational biology , genetics , gene , psychology , psychotherapist
Abstract Numerous molecular components have been identified that regulate the directed migration of eukaryotic cells toward sources of chemoattractant. However, how the components of this system are wired together to coordinate multiple aspects of the response, such as directionality, speed, and sensitivity to stimulus, remains poorly understood. Here we developed a method to shape chemoattractant gradients optically and analyze cellular chemotaxis responses of hundreds of living cells per well in 96‐well format by measuring speed changes and directional accuracy. We then systematically characterized migration and chemotaxis phenotypes for 285 si RNA perturbations. A key finding was that the G‐protein G i α subunit selectively controls the direction of migration while the receptor and Gβ subunit proportionally control both speed and direction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that neutrophils chemotax persistently in response to gradients of fMLF but only transiently in response to gradients of ATP . The method we introduce is applicable for diverse chemical cues and systematic perturbations, can be used to measure multiple cell migration and signaling parameters, and is compatible with low‐ and high‐resolution fluorescence microscopy.