Movement of the multicellular slug stage of Dictyostelium discoideum; an analytical approach

Abstract

Time-lapse video recordings of migrating multicellular slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum were subjected to image analysis. A transient ‘collar-like’ structure was identified at the anterior end of the slug. This collar remains stationary in the wild- type strain WS380B; it is observed shortly after the advancing tip contacts the substratum. Stationary collars formed approximately every 12min; they were matched with patterns revealed on the underside of slime trails with FITC-coupled monoclonal antibody MUD50. It is proposed that stationary collars are involved with the forward movement of the slug. The mutant strain HU2421 lacks the MUD50-epitope and forms collars which do not remain stationary but move backwards along the slug to collect at a ‘waist’ region. The slipping-collars observed in the mutant correlated with very slow migration rates. We propose that HU2421 moves slowly because it lacks traction.

Calcium responses to external mechanical stimuli in the multicellular stage of Dictyostelium discoideum

“…3 ). As slugs migrate with their tips protruding vertically 52 , it may be easier to generate anterior responses to obstacles or enemies, such as nematodes 53 . Thus, it has been frequently observed that [Ca 2+ ] i is higher in the anterior than in the posterior of the slug.…”

Cell pelotons: A model of early evolutionary cell sorting, with application to slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum

“…In contrast, slugs travelling on agar move at a speed of 1-2 mm/h (~17 -34 µm/min) (Raper, 1940). Breen et al (1987) reported typical slug speeds of 30 µm/minat least twice that of solitary amoeba. Slug speeds vary proportionately to slug size and length Inouye and Takeuchi, 1979).…”