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Cell clusters softening triggers collective cell migration in vivo
Cristian L Marchant1, Abdul N Malmi-Kakkada2, Jaime A Espina1
1Mechanisms of Morphogenesis Laboratory, Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC), Oeiras, Portugal.
Nature Materials
|August 15, 2022
Summary
Embryonic cells dynamically soften their stiffness to initiate collective cell migration, challenging previous models. This process involves a Piezo1-mediated pathway, crucial for tissue repair and cancer metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Collective cell migration is vital for embryogenesis, tissue repair, and cancer metastasis.
- In vitro studies suggest cells stiffen on stiff substrates and soften on compliant ones, typically hindering migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical behavior of embryonic cell clusters during collective migration.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cluster mechanical adaptation and migration initiation.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies of embryonic tissues.
- Molecular and mechanical perturbations.
- Analysis of mechanosensitive pathways, including Piezo1 and microtubule acetylation.
Main Results:
- Embryonic cell clusters dynamically decrease stiffness in response to substrate stiffening, initiating collective migration.
- A Piezo1-mediated pathway involving microtubule deacetylation is identified as key.
- Reduced microtubule acetylation and cluster stiffness trigger migration on soft substrates.
Conclusions:
- Optimal cluster-to-substrate stiffness ratio is essential for initiating collective cell migration.
- Findings challenge existing paradigms of collective cell migration and its roles in physiology and pathology.
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