Cell migration orchestrates migrasome formation by shaping retraction fibers

Migrasomes are recently discovered vesicle-like structures on retraction fibers of migrating cells that have been linked with transfer of cellular contents, shedding of unwanted materials, and information integration. However, whether and how the cell migration paradigm regulates migrasome formation is not clear. Here, we report that there are significantly fewer migrasomes in turning cells compared with straight persistently migrating cells. The major insight underlying this observation is that as the cells elongate, their rear ends become narrower, subsequently resulting in fewer retraction fibers during impersistent migration. In addition to migration persistence, we reveal that migration speed positively corelates with migrasome formation, owing to the derived length of retraction fibers. Substantiating our hypothesis, genetically removing vimentin compromises cell migration speed and persistence and leads to fewer migrasomes. Together, our data explicate the critical roles of two cell migration patterns, persistence and speed, in the control of migrasome formation by regulating retraction fibers.

Automated summary

This study reveals the importance of migration persistence and speed in the formation of migrasomes, vesicle-like structures on retraction fibers of migrating cells. The narrowing of the cell's rear end during migration leads to fewer migrasomes, while faster migration speed positively correlates with migrasome formation. The removal of vimentin, a protein, compromises cell migration speed and persistence, resulting in fewer migrasomes.