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Updated: May 9, 2026
09:55
In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays
Published on: June 1, 2014
[Role of vimentin in cell migration]
Ontogenez
|July 27, 2013
Summary
Vimentin, a marker of migrating cells, has unclear roles in cell migration despite its involvement in cellular polarity and signaling. This review clarifies vimentin
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Cell migration is vital for development, healing, and disease.
- Vimentin is a known marker for migrating cells, but its precise function remains debated.
- Recent research suggests vimentin influences cellular polarity, cell contacts, and signaling pathways crucial for motility.
Purpose:
- To review current understanding of vimentin's functions in cell migration.
- To explore vimentin's role in the molecular mechanisms of cell motility.
- To address conflicting data regarding vimentin's necessity in embryonic development and cell migration.
Summary:
- Vimentin's role in cell migration is complex and multifaceted.
- While vimentin is associated with migrating cells and influences polarity and signaling, vimentin knockout mice show no developmental defects, raising questions about its essentiality.
- This review synthesizes recent findings to elucidate vimentin's specific contributions to various cell migration processes.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of vimentin's functions in cell migration.
- Helps resolve existing controversies regarding vimentin's role in development and motility.
- Offers insights into the molecular underpinnings of cell migration, relevant to development, regeneration, and cancer metastasis.
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