In News:

Scientists at the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, have uncovered a crucial mechanism explaining how white blood cells (WBCs) rapidly alter their internal structure to combat pathogens. The discovery reveals how immune cells adapt their cytoskeletons to move and respond swiftly during immune defence.

The Discovery

A research team led by Dr. Saikat Chowdhury at CCMB discovered how white blood cells form flat protrusions in the direction of pathogens, enabling them to move and engulf harmful microbes.

This process occurs within microseconds, allowing immune cells to dynamically remodel their internal structure to execute defence responses. The findings were published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.

Mechanism Behind the Discovery:

• The shape and movement of cells depend on a dense, branched actin network near the cell membrane.
• Actin, a structural and dynamic protein, enables cells to push the membrane outward, forming protrusions.
• The CCMB team found that SPIN90, a regulatory protein, plays a pivotal role in generating new actin meshworks.
• SPIN90 works as a dimer with another protein complex, Arp2/3, to initiate the growth of new actin filaments in two opposite directions, separated by about 150°.
• These newly formed filaments serve as scaffolds, helping the cell reshape itself or move toward invading pathogens.

According to Dr. Chowdhury, SPIN90’s ability to build actin filaments bidirectionally helps cells create adaptable cytoskeletal frameworks, shedding light on how cells remodel themselves in both health and disease.

Scientific Significance

This discovery enhances understanding of:

• Cellular movement and immune response mechanisms.
• Cytoskeletal dynamics—a core process in cellular biology.
• Pathophysiological processes, such as cancer metastasis, immune disorders, and wound healing, where cell shape and motility are crucial.

It also opens new avenues for biomedical research in designing therapies that target cell motility and immune regulation.

About the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)

• Established: 1977
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Parent Organization: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
• Designation: UNESCO-recognized “Centre of Excellence” under the Global Molecular and Cell Biology Network

Mandate and Objectives:

• Conduct high-quality basic and applied research in frontier areas of modern biology.
• Promote centralized national facilities for cutting-edge biological research.
• Provide training and capacity-building for students and scientists in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
• Facilitate collaborations with national and international research institutions.

Research Areas:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology
• Immunology and Cell Biology
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology

CCMB’s research integrates fundamental and translational science, addressing challenges in human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.