Summary
Crawling movement driven by actin polymerisation at the leading edge, adhesion turnover and rear contraction.
In depth
Cells extend lamellipodia powered by Arp2/3-driven branched actin, form focal adhesions to the matrix through integrins, then contract the rear using myosin II. Chemotaxis guides them along gradients of attractants.
Migration underpins embryonic development, wound healing and immune surveillance, and is hijacked in metastasis.
The cycle has four steps: protrusion at the front, adhesion to the substrate, contraction and release of the rear. Rho family GTPases are master regulators: Rac builds lamellipodia, Cdc42 forms filopodia that probe the environment and RhoA drives contraction. Some cells squeeze through gaps in an amoeboid mode that needs less adhesion, such as T cells.
Collective migration moves sheets of cells together, as in wound repair and in the neural crest during development. White blood cells roll, stick and exit blood vessels by diapedesis using selectins and integrins.
Example: metastatic tumour cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition, lose cadherin contacts and gain the ability to invade.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cell Migration?
Crawling movement driven by actin polymerisation at the leading edge, adhesion turnover and rear contraction.
Which area of biology covers Cell Migration, and how advanced is it?
Cell Migration is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Motor Proteins, Extracellular Matrix, Sodium-Potassium Pump.
Can you give an example of Cell Migration?
Neutrophils crawl toward bacterial peptides at sites of infection.
What should I learn before Cell Migration?
Work through the Beginner topics in Cell Biology first, such as Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell, then return to Cell Migration. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Cell Migration?
The closest topics to Cell Migration are Motor Proteins, Extracellular Matrix, Sodium-Potassium Pump, Cytoplasm. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Cell Migration?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cell Migration. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Cell Migration different from Motor Proteins?
Cell Migration: Crawling movement driven by actin polymerisation at the leading edge, adhesion turnover and rear contraction. Motor Proteins: Kinesin, dynein and myosin convert ATP energy into directed movement along microtubules or actin filaments. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Cell Migration step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Motor Proteins and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.