英国格拉斯哥大学Robert H. Insall小组的一项最新研究表明，细胞通过分解引诱分子来走出迷宫并实现远距离响应。该项研究成果发表在2020年8月28日出版的《科学》杂志上。

Title: Seeing around corners: Cells solve mazes and respond at a distance using attractant breakdown

Author: Luke Tweedy, Peter A. Thomason, Peggy I. Paschke, Kirsty Martin, Laura M. Machesky, Michele Zagnoni, Robert H. Insall

Issue&Volume: 2020/08/28

Abstract: During development and metastasis, cells migrate large distances through complex environments. Migration is often guided by chemotaxis, but simple chemoattractant gradients between a source and sink cannot direct cells over such ranges. We describe how self-generated gradients, created by cells locally degrading attractant, allow single cells to navigate long, tortuous paths and make accurate choices between live channels and dead ends. This allows cells to solve complex mazes efficiently. Cells’ accuracy at finding live channels was determined by attractant diffusivity, cell speed, and path complexity. Manipulating these parameters directed cells in mathematically predictable ways; specific combinations can even actively misdirect them. We propose that the length and complexity of many long-range migratory processes, including inflammation and germ cell migration, means that self-generated gradients are needed for successful navigation.

DOI: 10.1126/science.aay9792

Source: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/369/6507/eaay9792