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Cell Migration

Cell Migration

Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Cell Migration

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cell Migration Using Compartmentalizing Microfluidic Devices and Live Cell Imaging

Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cell Migration Using Compartmentalizing Microfluidic Devices and Live Cell Imaging

Published on: December 23, 2011

Border-cell migration: the race is on.

Denise J Montell¹

¹Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2185, USA. dmontell@jhmi.edu

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology

|January 4, 2003

Summary

Studying fruit fly border cell migration offers insights into how stationary cells become invasive, a process crucial for embryonic development and cancer metastasis. Identifying new genes involved could reveal novel targets for treating tumor invasion.

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Cell Biology
Cancer Research

Background:

Epithelial cell conversion to migratory phenotypes is vital for embryonic development and tumor metastasis.
Border-cell migration in Drosophila melanogaster ovaries serves as a model for studying cell invasion.
Three key signals, also found in cancer, regulate this migration process.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify novel genes involved in border-cell migration.
To gain further insights into the mechanisms of tumor invasion.

Main Methods:

Utilizing the Drosophila melanogaster ovary model for border-cell migration studies.
Genetic analysis to identify key regulatory genes.

Main Results:

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cell Migration Using Compartmentalizing Microfluidic Devices and Live Cell Imaging

Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cell Migration Using Compartmentalizing Microfluidic Devices and Live Cell Imaging

Published on: December 23, 2011

In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays

In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays

Published on: June 1, 2014

A Simple Migration/Invasion Workflow Using an Automated Live-cell Imager

A Simple Migration/Invasion Workflow Using an Automated Live-cell Imager

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The study focuses on identifying genes that influence border-cell migration.
Findings contribute to understanding the genetic underpinnings of cell invasiveness.

Conclusions:

The Drosophila border-cell migration model is valuable for studying fundamental processes of cell invasion.
Further gene discovery in this model may illuminate new therapeutic strategies for cancer metastasis.