Temporally regulated cell migration is sensitive to variation in body size

ABSTRACT Few studies have measured the robustness to perturbations of final position a long-range migrating cell. In nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, QR neuroblast migrates anteriorly, while undergoing three division rounds. We study two its great-granddaughters, end migration which was previously shown depend on timing mechanism. find that variance in their is similar other neurons. As expected from mechanism, descendants depends body size, we varied by changing maternal age or using size mutants. Using mathematical model, show variation partially compensated for. Applying environmental perturbations, increased following starvation at hatching. The mean displaced upon temperature shift. Finally, highly significant found among C. elegans wild isolates. Overall, this reveals these neurons quite robust stochastic variation, shows some sensitivity and external varies species. This article has an associated ‘The people behind papers’ interview.