Mechanisms of spatiotemporal regulation of transmembrane receptor turnover during directed cell migration

Dynamic regulation of cellular and tissue response to cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic signal fluctuations is essential for ensuring that migrating cells end up in the right place at the right time. One way to achieve this is through adaptive spatiotemporal control of the turnover of cell surface transmembrane receptors, which stand between the internal and external environments to transmit crucial information. The underlying control mechanisms would allow both individual cells and cell groups to adapt their behaviours to their intracellular and extracellular needs, preventing unwanted halts in cell migration or cells making a wrong turn. Recent advancements in reporter tools and imaging technologies have allowed improved tracking of receptor turnover in both in vitro and in vivo systems to uncover the adaptation mechanisms that receptors use during change to give rise to physiologically reliable migratory outcomes. This review explores the overarching principles of spatiotemporal control mechanisms underlying adaptive receptor turnover during cell migration.