Temporal control over the initiation of cell motility by a regulator of G-protein signaling

Cell motility is critical for a wide range of processes in development, homeostasis, and immune response. Conversely, abnormal regulation of cell migration leads to pathological consequences like cancer metastasis. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms controlling the timing of motility acquisition, using zebrafish primordial germ cells as an in vivo model. We defined a previously unknown role for the signaling scaffold molecule and regulator of Gα protein signaling Rgs14a in coordinating the onset of migration with the presence of migration guidance cues. Furthermore, we show that this control level involves the regulation of the cell–cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin, a molecule implicated in motility acquisition in a range of normal physiological events and in disease conditions.