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Mechanisms of 3D cell migration.
Kenneth M Yamada1, Michael Sixt2
1Cell Biology Section, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. kenneth.yamada@nih.gov.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|October 5, 2019
Summary
Cell migration in 3D tissue environments is complex, requiring diverse cellular adaptations to navigate the extracellular matrix (ECM) and interact with surrounding cells. This review explores these sophisticated mechanisms for cell locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Cell migration is crucial for development, immunity, and wound healing, but also cancer metastasis.
- While 2D cell migration is well-studied, 3D cell migration in native tissues remains less understood.
- Cells employ various migration modes (mesenchymal, amoeboid, etc.) influenced by the microenvironment and signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms of cell migration in complex 3D environments.
- To compare cell migration principles across 1D, 2D, and 3D contexts.
- To highlight cellular adaptations for navigating challenging extracellular matrices and tissue structures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cell migration studies.
- Analysis of molecular and biophysical mechanisms.
- Comparison of migration strategies in different dimensionalities (1D, 2D, 3D).
Main Results:
- 3D cell migration necessitates adaptations for squeezing through dense extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Cellular interactions with the microenvironment and neighboring cells are critical for 3D migration.
- Rho GTPase signaling and non-muscle myosin contractility are key regulators of 3D cell movement.
- Cells utilize a wide array of classical and novel mechanisms for 3D locomotion.
Conclusions:
- Understanding 3D cell migration is vital for comprehending physiological and pathological processes.
- Cellular adaptations to the mechanical and structural properties of the ECM are essential for 3D migration.
- Further research into 3D cell migration mechanisms will advance fields like cancer biology and regenerative medicine.
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