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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
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A Gradient-generating Microfluidic Device for Cell Biology
Published on: August 30, 2007
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Diverse and dynamic sources and sinks in gradient formation and directed migration
Danfeng Cai1, Denise J Montell2
1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9625, USA.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|July 16, 2014
Summary
Cell migration relies on complex chemical signals, not just simple gradients. Developing embryos utilize dynamic sources and sinks, allowing diverse cell navigation during development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Traditional models posit directional cell migration requires stable chemoattractant gradients from sources and sinks.
- Recent advances in live imaging and in vivo studies reveal more complex endogenous signaling landscapes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dynamic and varied nature of sources and sinks in regulating directional cell migration.
- To understand how complex signaling environments facilitate distinct cell trajectories during embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- In vivo live imaging of cell migration.
- Analysis of endogenous chemoattractant sources and sinks.
- Studying dynamic control of signaling molecules during development.
Main Results:
- Sources and sinks can involve multiple tissues and exhibit dynamic expression patterns.
- Migrating cells can act as sinks, generating gradients from uniform chemoattractants.
- Cells navigate complex, segmented trajectories by responding to different signals sequentially.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic cell migration is governed by intricate and adaptable source-sink systems.
- These complex signaling mechanisms enable diverse cell navigation within a developing embryo.
- The plasticity of signaling environments is crucial for coordinated development.
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