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Concentric Gel System to Study the Biophysical Role of Matrix Microenvironment on 3D Cell Migration
Published on: April 3, 2015
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Plasticity in cell migration modes across development, physiology, and disease.
Mona Pourjafar1, Vijay K Tiwari1,2,3,4
1Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|May 8, 2024
Summary
Cell migration, crucial for development and health, involves various modes influenced by the microenvironment. Understanding these modes and their plasticity is key to addressing diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cell migration is a fundamental biological process essential for development and physiological functions.
- Aberrant cell migration contributes to various diseases, including cancer metastasis and fibrosis.
- The cellular microenvironment significantly influences cell migration modes and their plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review different modes of cell migration.
- To discuss the role of cell migration plasticity in physiological and pathological contexts.
- To explore therapeutic targeting of aberrant cell migration in diseases like cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cell migration mechanisms.
- Analysis of signaling pathways affecting gene expression and epigenetics.
- Examination of disease pathologies linked to cell migration.
Main Results:
- Identification of distinct cell migration modes (mesenchymal, amoeboid, lobopodial, collective).
- Elucidation of microenvironmental influences on migration strategies.
- Highlighting the critical role of plasticity in cell migration.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cell migration modes and plasticity is vital for comprehending physiological and pathological processes.
- Targeting cell migration pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for diseases such as cancer.
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