Illuminating Mammalian Cell Migration in Native Tissues at Subcellular and Molecular Resolution

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Microscopy
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• In vitro models extensively study cell migration, but in vivo mechanisms in native mammalian tissues are underexplored.
• Direct manipulation and visualization of molecular regulators in live mammalian tissues are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current insights into single-cell migration in mammalian tissues under homeostatic and pathophysiological conditions.
• To discuss intravital subcellular microscopy (ISMic) as a tool for studying cell migration.
• To emphasize the need for advanced microscopy for a deeper understanding of cell migration.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cell migration in mammalian tissues.
• Discussion of intravital subcellular microscopy (ISMic) techniques.
• Exploration of advanced microscopy and complementary approaches.

Main Results:

• Cell migration, including stem cell migration, occurs in mammalian tissues during homeostasis and disease.
• Intravital subcellular microscopy (ISMic) enables visualization of membrane remodeling during cell migration in live tissues.
• There is a need for innovative microscopy to understand cell migration dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Further research using advanced microscopy is essential to fully understand cell migration in mammalian tissues.
• Visualizing cell migration in vivo is key to understanding tissue homeostasis and pathophysiology.
• Intravital subcellular microscopy (ISMic) offers a promising avenue for future investigations.