Optogenetic toolkit reveals the role of Ca²⁺ sparklets in coordinated cell migration.

 

Significance

In this article, we present a pioneering experimental approach for studying cell migration and more broadly establish representative guidelines for applying an optogenetic approach in biological studies. Using recently developed optogenetic tools, we identified local Ca²⁺ influx as a major source of Ca²⁺ for gradient formation and established the functional importance of polarized chemistry in highly coordinated cell migration. These findings provide strong evidence for a mechanism that addresses fundamental questions about front–rear Ca²⁺ gradients in migrating cells and suggest a previously unidentified role of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels in the directional migration of nonexcitable cells.