Work

Single-Cell Migration in Complex Microenvironments: Mechanics and Signaling Dynamics

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Cells are highly dynamic and mechanical automata powered by molecular motors that respond to external cues. Intracellular signaling pathways, either chemical or mechanical, can be activated and spatially coordinated to induce polarized cell states and directional migration. Physiologically, cells navigate through complex microenvironments, typically in three-dimensional (3D) fibrillar networks. In diseases, such as metastatic cancer, they invade across physiological barriers and remodel their local environments through force, matrix degradation, synthesis, and reorganization. Important external factors such as dimensionality, confinement, topographical cues, stiffness, and flow impact the behavior of migrating cells and can each regulate motility. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of single-cell migration in complex microenvironments.

Source: Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

DOI: 10.1115/1.4032188

Authors: Michael Mak, Fabian Spill, Roger D. Kamm, Muhammad H. Zaman

Institutions: Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute

Awards: G3442878511, Modeling bi-directional signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics in 3D cell migrations, G4443432056, G8100965156