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# Directional sensing during chemotaxis

## Details

**Authors** Janetopoulos and Firtel

**Year** 2008

**Publisher** FEBS letters

**Discipline** Biology

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2008.04.035) 
10.1016/j.febslet.2008.04.035

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Cells have the innate ability to sense and move towards a variety of chemoattractants. We investigate the pathways by which cells sense and respond to chemoattractant gradients. We focus on the model system Dictyostelium and compare our understanding of chemotaxis in this system with recent advances made using neutrophils and other mammalian cell types, which share many molecular components and signaling pathways with Dictyostelium . This review also examines models that have been proposed to explain how cells are able to respond to small differences in ligand concentrations between the anterior leading edge and posterior of the cell. In addition, we highlight the overlapping functions of many signaling components in diverse processes beyond chemotaxis, including random cell motility and cell division.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

To explain chemotaxis.

### What they found (results)

Chemotaxis benefits the cell, and the organism as a whole. For example, chemotaxis is at play in fetal development of the nervous system, tissue maintenance, tissue restoration and wound healing, as well as other processes such as pathogenicity (disease causing), symbiotic interactions, and the creation of biofilms. And, chemotaxis is critically important for the proper functioning of the immune system.

## Commentary

### In short

Chemotaxis is a way to explore the basic expressions of the D, S, R, and P patterns.

### In more detail

This clearly includes non-neural organisms as well. Bacteria can respond to numerous stimuli in their environments from the concentrations of nutrients, toxins, oxygen levels, or pH, to osmolarity (the concentration of a solution), to the intensity and wavelength of light. This response requires the organism to Distinguish between the different types of stimuli. A common response is movement, but chemical secretion and even gene expression are also frequent responses. Chemotaxis benefits the cell, and the organism as a whole. For example, chemotaxis is at play in fetal development of the nervous system, tissue maintenance, tissue restoration and wound healing, as well as other processes such as pathogenicity (disease causing), symbiotic interactions, and the creation of biofilms. And, chemotaxis is critically important for the proper functioning of the immune system.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Janetopoulos and Firtel (2008). Directional sensing during chemotaxis. FEBS letters.