Multicellular scale front-to-rear polarity in collective migration

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Collective cell migration exhibits emergent properties beyond individual cell movement.
• Cellular interactions and hierarchies, including leader-follower dynamics, are crucial for coordinated group movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of multicellular-scale polarity in collective cell migration.
• To draw parallels between single-cell polarity and the polarity of a migrating cell collective.
• To understand how this multicellular polarity influences adaptation to environmental constraints.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis comparing single-cell and multicellular polarity.
• Examination of information exchange (biochemical and mechanical) within migrating cell groups.

Main Results:

• A front-to-rear polarity axis exists at the multicellular scale, analogous to single-cell polarity.
• This multicellular polarity is established through bidirectional information exchange between cell front and rear.
• Migrating collectives demonstrate enhanced sensing and adaptation to energy, biochemical, and mechanical challenges.

Conclusions:

• Multicellular-scale polarity is a key emergent property of collective cell migration.
• This polarity enables collectives to navigate complex environments and migrate long distances effectively.
• Understanding multicellular polarity offers insights into tissue development and disease processes.