Issue 11-12, 2010

Critical review: cellular mechanobiology and amoeboid migration

Abstract

Cell motility is important for tissue homeostasis and plays a central role in various pathologies, notably inflammation and cancer. Research into the critical processes involved in cell migration has so far mostly focused on cell adhesion and proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix. However, pharmacological interference with these processes only partially blocks cell motility in vivo. In this review we summarize the arising evidence that the mechanical properties of the cell body have a major role to play in cell motility—especially in a low-adhesion, amoeboid-like migration mode in three-dimensional tissue structures. We summarize the processes determining cell mechanics and discuss relevant measurement technologies including their applications in medical cell biology.

Graphical abstract: Critical review: cellular mechanobiology and amoeboid migration

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
08 Jun 2010
Accepted
13 Aug 2010
First published
27 Sep 2010

Integr. Biol., 2010,2, 575-583

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