R. H. Insall

The Scar/WAVE complex drives normal actin protrusions without the Arp2/3 complex, but proline-rich domains are required

This study shows that the Scar/WAVE complex can drive normal actin protrusions without the Arp2/3 complex and that proline-rich domains are essential for actin nucleation.

Seeing around corners: Cells create chemotactic gradients to solve mazes and respond to distant cues in complex environments.

The paper shows cells use self-generated chemotactic gradients to navigate complex environments and solve mazes, with accuracy influenced by path complexity, attractant diffusibility, and cell speed.

Cell-substrate adhesion drives Scar/WAVE activation and phosphorylation, which controls pseudopod lifetime

The paper shows that cell-substrate adhesion drives Scar/WAVE phosphorylation, which limits pseudopod lifetime, independent of chemotactic signals.

WASP restricts active Rac to maintain cells’ front-rear polarisation

This study shows WASP restricts active Rac to the front of cells to maintain front-rear polarity, but its interaction with Rac is not required for actin polymerization.

PIKfyve/Fab1 is required for efficient V-ATPase and hydrolase delivery to phagosomes, phagosomal killing, and restriction of Legionella infection

This paper shows that PIKfyve is essential for delivering V-ATPase and proteases to phagosomes, enabling acidification and killing of bacteria, and protecting against Legionella infection.

CYRI (FAM49) proteins are local inhibitors of Scar/WAVE induced lamellipodia that bind directly to active Rac1

This study identifies CYRI proteins as local inhibitors of Scar/WAVE-induced lamellipodia that bind to active Rac1, regulating protrusion size and complexity.

LPP3 mediates self-generation of chemotactic LPA gradients by melanoma cells

The paper shows that LPP3 is essential for melanoma cells to break down LPA, enabling self-generated chemotaxis and invasion.