Definition of cell migration

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Photonics Dictionary

cell migration: Cell migration refers to the process by which cells move from one location to another within tissues or across biological barriers. This fundamental biological process is essential during various stages of development, tissue repair, immune response, and in pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis.

Movement mechanisms: Cells can migrate through several mechanisms, including amoeboid movement (involving cytoskeletal rearrangements and pseudopod extension), mesenchymal movement (involving elongated shape and interactions with the extracellular matrix), and collective migration (where groups of cells move together).

Guidance cues: Migration is guided by chemical signals such as growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, as well as physical cues from the extracellular environment. These signals can promote or inhibit migration, depending on the context.

Cell adhesion and detachment: Cell migration involves dynamic interactions between cells and their surroundings, including adhesion to substrates (via integrins and other adhesion molecules) and controlled detachment from the original location.

Role in physiological and pathological processes: In development, cell migration is crucial for shaping tissues and organs. In wound healing, migration facilitates the closure of gaps in tissues. In diseases like cancer, aberrant migration of tumor cells can lead to invasion of surrounding tissues and metastasis to distant organs.

Studying cell migration is important for understanding normal tissue function and dysfunction in disease. It provides insights into how cells navigate complex environments and interact with neighboring cells and extracellular matrices, which can inform therapeutic strategies for conditions involving abnormal cell movement.

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