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Cell Migration

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Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Cell Migration

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Assessment of Dictyostelium discoideum Response to Acute Mechanical Stimulation

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Published on: November 9, 2017

Directed cell migration from protrusion-adhesion coupling under local chemotactic regulation.

Rachele Allena¹

¹Laboratoire Jean Alexandre Dieudonné, CNRS UMR7351, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France; Institut Universitaire de France.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

|July 10, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study presents a minimal mechanical model for cell migration, showing how local interactions drive directed movement without predefined polarity. It highlights the importance of protrusion dynamics and adhesion for cell guidance.

Keywords:

Agent-based modeling Cell migration Cell–substrate interactions Chemotaxis

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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Assessment of Dictyostelium discoideum Response to Acute Mechanical Stimulation

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Published on: November 9, 2017

Measuring Cell-Edge Protrusion Dynamics during Spreading using Live-Cell Microscopy

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Published on: November 1, 2021

Traction Microscopy Integrated with Microfluidics for Chemotactic Collective Migration

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Published on: October 13, 2019

Area of Science:

Cellular mechanics
Biophysics
Developmental biology

Background:

Directed cell migration is crucial for biological processes like development and cancer.
Existing models often assume predefined cell polarity, but experimental evidence suggests mechanical interactions play a key role.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a minimal two-dimensional mechanical model of cell migration.
To investigate how local mechanical interactions, such as protrusion dynamics and adhesion, generate persistent and directed cell movement in response to chemical cues.

Main Methods:

A minimal two-dimensional mechanical model incorporating stochastic protrusion dynamics, discrete adhesion formation, and substrate-mediated force transmission.
Simulations of chemotactic signaling locally regulating protrusion growth and traction forces.
Control simulations to assess the necessity of chemotactic regulation and adhesion-mediated force transmission.
Comparisons between regular and random adhesion networks.

Main Results:

The model successfully reproduces robust chemotactic behaviors, including persistent polarization and source-oriented trajectories.
Both chemotactic regulation and adhesion-mediated force transmission are essential for efficient directed cell migration.
Substrate disorder increases trajectory variability but does not significantly impact average migration efficiency or chemotactic performance.

Conclusions:

A minimal mechanically explicit framework can explain emergent cell migration dynamics.
Local protrusion-adhesion interactions are critical for generating persistent and directed cell migration.
The model provides insights into how cells navigate complex environments guided by chemical signals.