AMPK-induced autophagy as a key regulator of cell migration

Figures & data

Figure 1. Dynamic changes in the energy levels and autophagy during the different phases of cell migration. The stationary (A) and migratory (B) phases are accompanied by different dynamics in the ATP/ADP levels and autophagy. During the migratory phases, neuroblasts consume energy and the decrease in ATP:ADP ratio leads to the entry of cells into stationary phase, and activation of AMPK, which in turn induces autophagy. During the stationary phases, neuroblasts restore their ATP pool and have high autophagy flux. The turnover of focal adhesion molecules is also taking place during these periods by a direct autophagy-dependent recycling of PXN. When the energetic level is high enough, neuroblasts reenter into the migratory phase