Saltatory formation, sliding and dissolution of ER-PM junctions in migrating cancer cells

We demonstrated three novel forms of dynamic behaviour of junctions between the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) and the PM (plasma membrane) in migrating cancer cells: saltatory formation, long-distance sliding and dissolution. The individual ER PM junctions formed near the leading edge of migrating cells (usually within 0.5 mu m of polymerized actin and close to focal adhesions) and appeared suddenly without sliding from the interior of the cell. The long distance sliding and dissolution of ER PM junctions accompanied the tail withdrawal.