title: Cytosolic free calcium and the cytoskeleton in the control of leukocyte chemotaxis.
abstract: In response to a chemotactic gradient, leukocytes extravasate and chemotax toward the site of pathogen invasion. Although fundamental in the control of many leukocyte functions, the role of cytosolic free Ca2+ in chemotaxis is unclear and has been the subject of debate. Before becoming motile, the cell assumes a polarized morphology, as a result of modulation of the cytoskeleton by G protein and kinase activation. This morphology may be reinforced during chemotaxis by the intracellular redistribution of Ca2+ stores, cytoskeletal constituents, and chemoattractant receptors. Restricted subcellular distributions of signaling molecules, such as Ca2+, Ca2+/calmodulin, diacylglycerol, and protein kinase C, may also play a role in some types of leukocyte. Chemotaxis is an essential function of most cells at some stage during their development, and a deeper understanding of the molecular signaling and structural components involved will enable rational design of therapeutic strategies in a wide variety of diseases.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, USA.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Pettit
authors.forename: F S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Fay
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D016764:Cell Polarity; D002630:Chemotactic Factors / Q000502:physiology; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000502:physiology*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D003600:Cytosol / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002630:Chemotactic Factors; D002118:Calcium