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Understanding the driving force for cell migration plasticity
Junjie Chen1, Daniel Yan1, Yun Chen1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Biophysical Journal
|April 12, 2023
Summary
Understanding cell migration plasticity requires exploring the link between force generation and movement changes. Future measurement platforms and imaging techniques are proposed to investigate this complex cell behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Cell migration is a complex process with diverse modes.
- Cell migration plasticity, the ability to change modes, remains poorly understood.
- The relationship between force generation and migration mode transitions is a key mystery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore future directions in measurement platforms and imaging techniques.
- To facilitate the elucidation of the link between force generation and migration mode transition.
- To address the mystery of cell migration plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing the evolution of past measurement platforms and techniques.
- Proposing desirable features for future platforms and techniques.
- Focusing on imaging-based techniques for enhanced resolution.
Main Results:
- Current tools have limitations in fully understanding cell migration.
- Enhanced measurement accuracy and temporal/spatial resolution are needed.
- Future advancements are crucial for unveiling migration plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating cell migration plasticity requires advanced tools.
- Improved measurement platforms and imaging are essential.
- Understanding force generation's role in migration is a key future direction.
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