Inchworm migration facilitates amoeboid cell adaptation to high-adhesion environments

Cells dynamically adapt their migration modes to environmental conditions, but their response to sticky surfaces, where they risk becoming immobilized, remains unclear. In our study, we discovered that strong adhesion prompts substantial changes in Dictyostelium discoideum, leading to “inchworm migration,” a novel subtype of amoeboid migration. This adaptation involves minimal contact between the cell and the surface, with the cell body standing upright and twisting, followed by rapid reattachment for directed movement. Concurrently, the cells shed migrasomes loaded with negatively charged molecules and adhesion receptors, controlling their adhesion traits to resume pseudopod migration. We identify the repurposing of cytokinesis machinery for migration mode shifting and selective membrane shedding as a crucial mechanism. Neutrophils also exhibit inchworm migration under strong adhesion, suggesting its broader application among amoeboid cells in adapting to high-adhesion environments. Our findings illuminate a programmed, adaptive response in amoeboid cells to navigate effectively through strongly adhesive terrains.