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Cell Migration

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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 22, 2026

Visualization of Tangential Cell Migration in the Developing Chick Optic Tectum

Visualization of Tangential Cell Migration in the Developing Chick Optic Tectum

Published on: October 24, 2018

Three- and four-dimensional visualization of cell migration using optical coherence tomography.

Sara M Rey¹, Boris Povazay, Bernd Hofer

¹School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.

Journal of Biophotonics

|May 29, 2009

Summary

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables label-free imaging of cell migration in 3D and 4D. This technique allows for cell tracking and motility analysis in complex, opaque environments, overcoming previous limitations.

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Visualization of Tangential Cell Migration in the Developing Chick Optic Tectum

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Longitudinal Morphological and Physiological Monitoring of Three-dimensional Tumor Spheroids Using Optical Coherence Tomography

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Published on: December 22, 2011

Area of Science:

Biomedical imaging
Cell biology
Biophysics

Background:

Cell chemotaxis is traditionally studied on 2D transparent surfaces.
Limitations in imaging techniques restrict studies to transparent substrates.
Natural cellular environments are often opaque, posing a challenge for observation.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a viable imaging technique for studying cell migration.
To enable label-free, noninvasive visualization of cells in 3D and 4D.
To analyze cell chemotaxis in complex and opaque environments.

Main Methods:

Utilized Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for noninvasive, label-free imaging.
Performed time-lapse videomicroscopy of Dictyostelium cells.
Studied cell migration on opaque nitrocellulose substrates (3D) and within agarose gels (4D).
Ensured compatibility of OCT imaging data with computer-based image analysis software.

Main Results:

Successfully visualized Dictyostelium cell migration in 3D (2D+time) and 4D (3D+time).
Demonstrated OCT's effectiveness for time-lapse imaging on opaque surfaces.
Generated image sequences suitable for quantitative analysis of cell motility.
Validated OCT for studying cell chemotaxis in complex environments.

Conclusions:

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a powerful tool for cell tracking and motility analysis.
OCT overcomes limitations of traditional microscopy for studying cells in complex, opaque environments.
This technique opens new possibilities for understanding cell migration and chemotaxis in physiologically relevant settings.