Excitable dynamics of Ras triggers self-organized PIP3 signaling for spontaneous cell migration

Spontaneous cell movement is underpinned by an asymmetric distribution of signaling molecules including small G proteins and phosphoinositides on the cell membrane. A fundamental question is the molecular mechanism for the spontaneous symmetry breaking. Here we report that GTP bound Ras (Ras-GTP) breaks the symmetry due to excitability even in the absence of extracellular spatial cues and cytoskeletal polarity as well as downstream signaling activities. A stochastic excitation of local and transient Ras activation induced PIP3 accumulation via direct interaction with PI3K, causing tightly coupled traveling waves propagating along the membrane. Comprehensive phase analysis of the waves of Ras-GTP and PIP3 metabolism-related molecules revealed the network structure of the excitable system including positive feedback regulation of Ras-GTP by PIP3. A mathematical model reconstituted a series of the observed symmetry breaking phenomena, illustrating an essential involvement of excitability in the cellular decision-making process.