Cell Science and Molecular Biology

Cell Migration and Invasion

Cell migration and invasion are fundamental processes in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. They are also critical for various physiological processes, including immune responses, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. However, these processes can also play a role in pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis. Cell migration refers to the movement of cells from one location to another. This movement is essential for processes such as embryonic development, immune responses, and tissue repair. Cell migration involves a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms, including changes in cell shape, adhesion to substrates, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and signalling pathways that regulate these processes. Cell invasion, on the other hand, refers to the ability of cells to invade surrounding tissues or to migrate through barriers such as basement membranes. Invasion is a crucial step in cancer metastasis, where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. Invasion requires cells to degrade the extracellular matrix and to acquire the ability to migrate through tissues.