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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays

In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays

Published on: June 1, 2014

Activins and cell migration.

Hong-Yo Kang¹, Chih-Rong Shyr

¹Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Vitamins and Hormones

|March 1, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Activins, regulators of hormone release, also play key roles in growth, repair, and cell migration. This chapter explores activin signaling and its impact on various cell types in health and disease.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Endocrinology

Background:

Activins are secreted proteins belonging to the transforming growth factor β superfamily.
Initially identified for their role in regulating pituitary hormones, activins have diverse functions.
These include roles in growth, differentiation, wound healing, and tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight current knowledge of activin signaling pathways.
To discuss the physiological and pathological roles of activins.
To focus on activins' effects on cell migration.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on activin signaling.
Analysis of activin receptor functions.
Discussion of activin involvement in various cellular processes.

Main Results:

Activin functions are pleiotropic and cell type-specific.
Activins are implicated in cancer metastasis, immune responses, and inflammation.
Activins significantly influence cell migration.

Conclusions:

Activin signaling is crucial for diverse biological processes.
Understanding activin roles in cell migration is vital for disease research.
Further investigation into activin pathways can reveal therapeutic targets.