Whole-genome screens reveal regulators of differentiation state and context-dependent migration in human neutrophils

Abstract Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte in humans and provide a critical early line of defense as part of our innate immune system. We perform a comprehensive, genome-wide assessment of the molecular factors critical to proliferation, differentiation, and cell migration in a neutrophil-...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nathan M. Belliveau, Matthew J. Footer, Emel Akdoǧan, Aaron P. van Loon, Sean R. Collins, Julie A. Theriot
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2023-09-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41452-x
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Summary:Abstract Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte in humans and provide a critical early line of defense as part of our innate immune system. We perform a comprehensive, genome-wide assessment of the molecular factors critical to proliferation, differentiation, and cell migration in a neutrophil-like cell line. Through the development of multiple migration screen strategies, we specifically probe directed (chemotaxis), undirected (chemokinesis), and 3D amoeboid cell migration in these fast-moving cells. We identify a role for mTORC1 signaling in cell differentiation, which influences neutrophil abundance, survival, and migratory behavior. Across our individual migration screens, we identify genes involved in adhesion-dependent and adhesion-independent cell migration, protein trafficking, and regulation of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. This genome-wide screening strategy, therefore, provides an invaluable approach to the study of neutrophils and provides a resource that will inform future studies of cell migration in these and other rapidly migrating cells.
ISSN:2041-1723