Filopodia: integrating cellular functions with theoretical models

Victoria Thusgaard Ruhoff, Natascha Leijnse, Amin Doostmohammadi, Poul Martin Bendix*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Filopodia, widely distributed on cell surfaces, are distinguished by their dynamic extensions, playing pivotal roles in a myriad of biological processes. Their functions span from mechanosensing and guidance to cell–cell communication during cellular organization in the early embryo. Filopodia have significant roles in pathogenic processes, such as cancer invasion and viral dissemination. Molecular mapping of the filopodome has revealed generic components essential for filopodia functions. In parallel, recent insights into biophysical mechanisms governing filopodia dynamics have provided the foundation for broader investigations of filopodia's biological functions. We highlight recent discoveries of engagement of filopodia in various stages of development and pathogenesis and present an overview of intricate molecular and physical features of these cellular structures across a spectrum of cellular activities.

Original languageEnglish
JournalTrends in Cell Biology
ISSN0962-8924
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
P.M.B. acknowledges funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant nos. NFF20OC0065357 and NFF20OC0061176). A.D. acknowledges funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant no. NNF18SA0035142 and NERD grant no. NNF21OC0068687), Villum Fonden grant no. 29476, and the European Union via the ERC-Starting Grant PhysCoMeT, grant no. 101041418. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Funding Information:
This work is financially supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation . P.M.B. and V.T.R. are funded by grant nos. NNF20OC0065357 and NNF20OC0061176 . A.D. and N.L. are funded by ERC-Starting Grant PhysCoMeT no. 101041418 .

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • cell communication
  • cell invasion
  • cell motility
  • filopodia dynamics
  • filopodia rotation
  • mechanosensing

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