Cell migration

Definition

Cell migration is the process by which cells move from one location to another, often in response to specific signals or environmental cues. This dynamic movement is crucial for various biological processes, including tissue development, wound healing, and immune responses. The ability of cells to migrate relies on the remodeling of the cytoskeleton, particularly microfilaments, interactions with the extracellular matrix, and the regulation of adhesion molecules that facilitate connections between cells and their surroundings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cell migration involves coordinated changes in the cytoskeleton, primarily mediated by actin dynamics, which allows cells to extend and retract their membranes.
2. During migration, cells can utilize various modes of movement, including amoeboid movement and mesenchymal movement, depending on their environment and the signals they receive.
3. Cell-matrix interactions through integrins are essential for successful migration; these interactions provide traction for movement and can transmit signals that regulate migratory behavior.
4. Cell-cell junctions can influence migration by affecting cell adhesion; when cells detach from each other, they can migrate more freely, as seen during processes like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
5. Proper cell migration is crucial for embryonic development and tissue repair; aberrations in migration can lead to diseases such as cancer metastasis.

Review Questions

• How do microfilaments and actin dynamics contribute to the process of cell migration?
  • Microfilaments, primarily composed of actin, play a vital role in cell migration by allowing cells to change shape and move. During migration, actin polymerization at the leading edge of the cell facilitates the extension of protrusions called lamellipodia and filopodia. This dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton enables cells to push forward while also retracting the rear end, allowing for efficient movement in response to signals.
• Discuss the importance of cell-matrix interactions in regulating cell migration and how integrins facilitate this process.
  • Cell-matrix interactions are crucial for regulating cell migration, as they provide both mechanical support and signaling cues that guide movement. Integrins are key adhesion molecules that connect the cytoskeleton of a cell to the extracellular matrix. When cells adhere to the ECM through integrins, they can sense changes in their environment and respond accordingly by modulating their migratory behavior. This interaction not only promotes cell movement but also influences cellular signaling pathways that control various aspects of migration.
• Evaluate how disruptions in cell-cell adhesion can affect cell migration during processes like wound healing or cancer metastasis.
  • Disruptions in cell-cell adhesion can significantly impact cell migration during wound healing or cancer metastasis. In wound healing, the detachment of epithelial cells from their neighbors allows them to migrate to the injury site to facilitate repair. Conversely, in cancer metastasis, tumor cells may downregulate adhesion molecules to escape from primary tumors and invade surrounding tissues. This altered adhesion can lead to increased migratory potential and spread of cancer cells throughout the body, making it a critical factor in understanding tumor progression.

Related terms

chemotaxis:

The movement of cells toward or away from a chemical stimulus, often guiding them during processes such as immune responses.

extracellular matrix (ECM):

A network of proteins and carbohydrates outside cells that provides structural and biochemical support, influencing cell migration.

integrins: Transmembrane proteins that facilitate cell-ECM adhesion, playing a key role in cell migration by connecting the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix.