Predicting how cells spread and migrate: focal adhesion size does matter

Efficient cell migration is central to the normal development of tissues and organs and is involved in a wide range of human diseases, including cancer metastasis, immune responses, and cardiovascular disorders. Mesenchymal migration is modulated by focal-adhesion proteins, which organize into large integrin-rich protein complexes at the basal surface of adherent cells. Whether the extent of clustering of focal-adhesion proteins is actually required for effective migration is unclear. We recently demonstrated that the depletion of major focal-adhesion proteins, as well as modulation of matrix compliance, actin assembly, mitochondrial activity, and DNA recombination, all converged into highly predictable, inter-related, biphasic changes in focal adhesion size and cell migration. Herein, we further discuss the role of focal adhesions in controlling cell spreading and test their potential role in cell migration.