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Cell Migration

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Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.

Cell Migration

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Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Traction Microscopy Integrated with Microfluidics for Chemotactic Collective Migration

Traction Microscopy Integrated with Microfluidics for Chemotactic Collective Migration

Published on: October 13, 2019

Mechanical plasticity in collective cell migration.

Shreyansh Jain¹, Benoit Ladoux¹, René-Marc Mège¹

¹Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

|June 16, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Collective cell migration maintains tissue integrity through coordinated cell movements. Biomechanical interactions at cell junctions allow cells to adapt to their environment and move together.

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Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Traction Microscopy Integrated with Microfluidics for Chemotactic Collective Migration

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Published on: October 13, 2019

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biophysics
Developmental Biology

Background:

Collective cell migration is essential for tissue development and repair.
Maintaining epithelium integrity relies on coordinated mechanical interactions between cells.
Cellular coordination involves individual cell propulsion and force transmission via cell junctions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of biomechanical interactions in collective cell migration.
To discuss how plasticity in cell-cell contacts facilitates coordinated cell movement.
To explore adaptation of cellular systems to environmental properties through mechanical interactions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on collective cell migration.
Analysis of biomechanical principles governing cell-cell interactions.
Synthesis of findings on mechanical coordination and environmental adaptation.

Main Results:

Cell-cell junction plasticity is key to coordinated cell migration.
Mechanical self-propulsion and force transmission are critical features.
Adaptation to external environments is mediated by biomechanical interactions.

Conclusions:

Plasticity of biomechanical interactions at cell-cell contacts enables coordinated cell migration.
This coordination is vital for maintaining epithelium integrity during development and repair.
Understanding these interactions aids in comprehending cellular system adaptability.