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Collective cell migration in morphogenesis and cancer.
Peter Friedl1, Yael Hegerfeldt, Miriam Tusch
1Molecular Cell Dynamics Laboratory, Rudolf-Virchow Center, DFG Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine and Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, 97089 Würzburg, Germany. peter.fr@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|September 7, 2004
Summary
Collective cell migration, crucial for development and disease, involves cells moving together using adhesion molecules. This coordinated movement differs from single-cell migration and impacts tissue patterning and cancer invasion.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Collective cell migration is vital for tissue development, repair, and cancer progression.
- It involves cells moving cohesively while maintaining cell-cell junctions.
- Understanding collective migration is key to deciphering morphogenesis and tumor invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing collective cell migration.
- To highlight the role of collective migration in tissue patterning and cancer cell invasion.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cell migration, adhesion molecules, and tissue dynamics.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular principles underlying collective cell movement.
- Examination of the role of specific molecules like cadherins, integrins, ALCAM, and NCAM.
Main Results:
- Collective migration utilizes cell-cell adhesion molecules (e.g., cadherins, integrins) to maintain group integrity.
- Integrins mediate interactions with the extracellular matrix, while proteases facilitate tissue space expansion.
- Collective migration enables both active and passive movement of cells within a group.
Conclusions:
- Collective cell migration is a distinct mode of cell movement with unique molecular underpinnings.
- This process is fundamental to embryonic morphogenesis and pathological processes like tumor cell invasion.
- Further research into collective migration mechanisms can inform therapeutic strategies for cancer and regenerative medicine.