Emerging concepts on the mechanical interplay between migrating cells and microenvironment in vivo

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cell migration is a fundamental process during embryogenesis.
• Current understanding largely stems from in vitro studies, which oversimplify in vivo environments.
• The complex in vivo microenvironment, comprising cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore cell migration mechanisms in vivo.
• To elucidate how physical interactions between migrating cells and their microenvironment influence cell behavior.
• To highlight the importance of in vivo mechanical cooperation in developmental processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of various model organisms and experimental systems.
• Analysis of physical interactions during cell migration.
• Examination of the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular neighbors.

Main Results:

• In vivo cell migration is actively controlled by the physical interplay with the surrounding tissue.
• Migrating cells navigate crowded microenvironments, responding to mechanical cues.
• The complexity of the in vivo milieu significantly instructs cell movement.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the mechanical cooperation between migrating cells and their in vivo environment is essential.
• This knowledge provides key insights into organ development and regeneration.
• Insights into cell migration in vivo are critical for understanding diseases involving tissue remodeling.