Actomyosin dynamics in chemotactic amoeboid movement of Dictyostelium

Under some physiological conditions, amoeboid cells are known to display a vectorial movement in response to chemotactic signals. Recent cell biological studies demonstrated the establishment of myosin filaments in Dictyostelium and indicate that the site of the motive force production is primarily localized at the posterior cortex. Furthermore, the traction force at the side body of a polarized amoeba is thought to play an essential role for the amoeboid movement. It is also suggested that certain dynamic activities of the actomyosin‐based cytoskeletal system are related to the establishment of mechanochemical transducing elements transiently organized during the chemotaxis. This review focuses on recent selective studies on the chemotactic movement of Dictyostelium , which is coupled with rapid redistribution of myosin filaments, and probably mediated by a transient phosphorylation of myosin.