Cell Migration
Articles tagged with Cell Migration
The hidden force of growth
OHSU study uncovers internal cell ‘trade winds’ that drive movement and repair
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a previously unknown system of internal 'trade winds' that help cells rapidly move essential proteins to the front of the cell. This breakthrough reveals that cells don't rely on random diffusion but instead create targeted streams of fluid to push proteins forward.
Tiny cell messengers show big promise for safer protein and gene delivery
Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...
Understanding how cancer cells use water pressure to move through the body
Researchers at Kyushu University discovered that cancer cells use a previously unrecognized physical mechanism called CODE to create water pressure that aids in their migration. This finding opens new avenues for therapies targeting amoeboid movement, a key strategy used by most advanced cancer cells.
Watch cells trek along vesicle ‘breadcrumbs’
A new tool called LEVA allows researchers to precisely arrange and track tiny biological packages called surface-bound extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs). By studying EVPs' messages, scientists can gain insights into various biological processes, including wound healing, infection, regeneration, and cancer spread.
How neurons go with the blood flow when migrating through the brain
Researchers discovered how newly created neurons rely on blood flow to migrate through the brain. The study found that blood vessels act as physical 'scaffolds' and that blood flow influences migration speed, with higher speeds seen in regions with abundant blood flow.
Dancing proteins keep cells moving
Actin filaments play a crucial role in cell movement and stability. A trio of proteins - coronin, cofilin, and AIP1 - regulate their disassembly to prevent unproductive elongation and ensure optimal power transmission. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular choreography, revealing coordinated steps and...
Identifying the Interactions That Drive Cell Migration in Brain Cancer
A team of Japanese researchers has identified shootin1b as a protein that promotes cell migration in glioblastoma, the most common and difficult-to-treat brain tumor. By suppressing abnormal activity of shootin1b, the study suggests a potential target for preventing glioblastoma spread.
'Migrion' -- a chimeric structure of virus and migrasome, a novel unit for intercellular viral transmission
Researchers have discovered Migrion, a novel unit for intercellular viral transmission that exploits host cell migration. Migrions facilitate accelerated replication kinetics and co-transmission of heterologous viruses, causing severe pulmonary and cerebral infections.
Cellular memory: The clever strategy cells use to move through narrow environments
Migrating cells maintain a mechanical memory that allows them to retain their shape when passing through constrictions, enabling faster movement in complex environments. This study sheds light on the biophysical mechanisms underlying cell migration and its implications for processes like wound healing and immune defense.
What makes cells migrate – and what can stop them
A team of scientists from the University of Konstanz has identified the PPM1F enzyme as essential for cell migration in both embryonic development and tumor cell invasion. The study found that increased levels of PPM1F enhance the invasive potential of cancer cells, while its absence impairs cell adhesion and migration.
Bench-pressing cells
Dendritic cells assemble central actin structure to push obstacles away, generating space for migration. Mutations in Dock8 gene lead to severe immune disorder symptoms.
Study deepens understanding of cell migration, important for potential medical advances
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have made an important discovery about how cells move through tissues, combining mathematical modeling with advanced imaging to show that physical shape and chemical signals interact. The study's findings could inform new strategies for controlling cell movement via medical tre...
Cell colonies under pressure – how growth can prevent motion
Research at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization explores how growth impacts cell migration. The study reveals a critical threshold of motility above which colony growth inhibits cellular movement, with implications for biology, tissue engineering, and medical research.
Scientists can tell healthy and cancerous cells apart by how they move
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a novel technique using phase-contrast microscopy to track and analyze the motion of unlabeled cells. This allows for the accurate differentiation of cancerous cells with up to 94% accuracy, opening new avenues for diagnosis and research on cell motility related functions.
Discovery of a mechanism regulating microglial characteristics in the postnatal brain
Research reveals that micronuclei uptake regulates microglial morphology and gene expression, influencing neurogenesis, neural networks, and cerebrovascular function. This mechanism is crucial for the postnatal brain's development and function.
Shocking cues
A study reveals that cells in the neural crest, which forms bones and nervous system tissues, use internal electric fields to migrate. This process, known as electrotaxis, is guided by an enzyme called voltage-sensitive phosphatase 1 (Vsp1), which converts electrical signals into directional cues.
May the force not be with you: Cell migration doesn't only rely on generating force
A group of researchers found that cells can move faster with lower force when adhered to soft surfaces with aligned collagen fibers. They developed a theoretical model to explain the physics behind this behavior, which has implications for cancer metastasis and wound healing.
How cancer cells adapt while moving across tissues
Researchers studied ovarian cancer cell migration patterns on soft and stiff surfaces, finding that epithelioid cells are more migratory than mesenchymal cells on stiffer matrices. The study used a novel software toolkit to analyze cell behavior over time, revealing a unique 'slip' movement pattern in epithelioid cells.
Porous dermal fillers show promise for diabetic wound treatment
Researchers developed porous dermal fillers that accelerate tissue healing and regeneration for diabetic wounds. The novel approach combining electrospinning and electrospraying technologies creates biocompatible microspheres that promote cell migration, granulation tissue formation, and neovascularization.
DAPK3 emerges as a new regulator of migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered DAPK3 as a key regulator of TNBC cell migration. The study found that eliminating DAPK3 protein leads to prevention of migration and invasion in laboratory experiments. Further studies are needed to assess its potential value as a therapeutic target.
Scientists create leader cells with light
Researchers at IBEC have created optogenetically generated leader cells that challenge the traditional notion of a single leader cell directing collective cell movement. Instead, each individual cell plays an active role in controlling its speed and acceleration, suggesting a force-velocity relation for collective migration.
Cytophysics: how cell nuclei squeeze through
LMU researchers investigated how cell nuclei change shape to migrate through tight spaces, revealing reversible nuclear deformation and adaptation of pulling and pushing forces. The study suggests a biphasic dependence of migration speed on channel width, with maximal transition rates at widths comparable to the nuclear diameter.
A railroad of cells
A new approach by researchers at ISTA reveals how cells navigate through complex environments and interact with each other. The study uses computer simulations to visualize different scenarios, showing that cells move in trains like an all-wheel drive system, while clusters are slower due to collisions.
Mitophagy and cancer: BNIP3/BNIP3L’s role in stemness, ATP production, proliferation, and cell migration
Researchers have developed a model to enrich sub-populations of cancer cells with high basal levels of mitophagy, promoting CSC features such as self-renewal, proliferation, and drug-resistance. This study highlights the importance of BNIP3/BNIP3L in maintaining cancer stem cell properties.
Researchers unveil PI3K enzyme's dual accelerator and brake mechanisms
A recent study revealed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) has a built-in brake mechanism that impedes cell migration, while also acting as an accelerator to prompt motility. The brake mechanism is specific to the p85β subunit and can be disrupted, leading to uncontrolled cell movement.
Periostin shows promise to help fight a common form of esophageal cancer
New findings in The American Journal of Pathology indicate that periostin promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by enhancing cancer and stromal cell migration in cancer-associated fibroblasts. Periostin may be a promising therapeutic target for treating ESCC.
How cells are ahead of the curve
Researchers have discovered a universal mechanism for cell motility, applying to various types of migrating cells. Cells tend to move circumferentially on convex structures and prefer axial forward or backward motion on concave surfaces.
Micro- and nanoplastics in the body are passed on during cell division
Research reveals micro- and nanoplastics can persist in the human body for longer than previously thought, being passed on to newly formed cells during cell division. The study also suggests these tiny plastic particles may promote the spread of cancer by increasing tumor migration.
A novel role for S100A11 in focal adhesion regulation
S100A11 plays a specific role in the initiation of focal adhesion site disassembly, rather than the disassembly process itself. The protein is recruited to adhesion sites through a force-dependent mechanism involving non-muscle myosin II-driven stress fiber contraction and intracellular Ca2+ influx.
A clutch stretch goes a long way
Researchers at Kyoto University have observed a unique phenomenon where talin constantly moves over focal adhesions as a single unit, contradicting prevailing notions. This discovery reveals that talin manages to simultaneously maintain the intercellular connection while transmitting force through dynamic molecular stretching.
Nanodiamonds block tumor metastasis in mice
Researchers found that carboxylic nanodiamonds blocked melanoma cells' ability to migrate and invade across membranes. Mice treated with these nanoparticles showed reduced or no tumor metastasis compared to untreated mice.
Agarose-based method shows potential in understanding extracellular vesicles' role in cancer metastasis
A collaborative study has developed an agarose spot migration assay to examine the ability of extracellular vesicles to attract other cells in a controlled environment. The assay revealed differences in EVs' recruitment capability for endothelial cells, particularly in highly metastatic cancer cells.
Study opens new frontier for research into neurodevelopmental disorder
A new study led by Dr. Armen Saghatelyan uncovered the migratory mechanisms of neuronal cells in a neurodevelopmental disorder. The team found that modulating autophagy with FDA-approved drug metformin restored the cells' migratory properties.
Immune cells in single file
Dendritic cells form three-dimensional networks that regulate their migration and development. The new concept reveals how cytokines keep the cells together and close gaps in their network. This discovery has prognostic value for tumour diseases, particularly after immunotherapy.
Towards rapid tissue regeneration
Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.
Demonstrating the significance of individual molecules during mechanical stress in cells
Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method to study the function of individual molecules during mechanical stress in cells. They used a light-sensitive molecule to alter proteins and apply short light pulses to control their movement, allowing them to investigate the mechanical significance of these proteins.
Toward a better understanding of lymphatic system remodeling
A team from Osaka University has uncovered the importance of Polydom and Tie1 in cell migration during lymphatic vessel remodeling. The study found that binding between these proteins facilitates lymphatic endothelial cell migration, highlighting a crucial role in lymphangiogenesis.
“Hightech” materials from nature
A research team at Göttingen University has discovered that mobile and stationary cells have different mechanical properties due to their cytoskeleton. The study found that intermediate filaments, which are crucial for cell stability, exhibit metal-like plasticity when stretched, similar to non-biological materials.
GPR141 regulates breast cancer progression via oncogenic mediators and the p-mTOR/p53 axis
Researchers found that GPR141 enhances cell migration and proliferation in breast cancer by activating the p-mTOR/p53 signaling pathway. Silencing GPR141 restores p53 expression and attenuates tumor growth, suggesting its role in regulating breast cancer progression and metastasis.
Musashi 1 in breast cancer: Implications for dormancy and survival in bone marrow
Increased expression of Musashi 1 on breast cancer cells has significant implications for understanding dormancy and survival in bone marrow. Msi 1 knockdown led to a reduction in cancer stem cells with undetectable PD-L1, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
The senescence-associated secretory phenotype induces neuroendocrine transdifferentiation
Researchers discover that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can induce neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED) in breast cancer epithelial cells, promoting tumor progression and aging-related features. SASP's dual role in cancer involves both antitumoral and tumorigenic effects.
Basic ‘toolkit’ for organ development is illuminated by sea star
Scientists have defined a basic toolkit for forming tubular organs in animals, which is thought to be the foundation of organ development in vertebrates. The study uses the sea star as a model organism and reveals that cells can proliferate and migrate simultaneously during tube formation.
Differential silencing of STAT3 isoforms leads to changes in STAT3 activation
Researchers investigated the roles of STAT3α and STAT3β in aggressive breast cancer and found that differential silencing of these isoforms leads to changes in STAT3 activation. This study emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between STAT3 isoforms for accurate cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Impact of cortactin in cancer progression
Researchers discuss cortactin's impact on cancer progression by modulating the Wnt5a/ROR1 signaling pathway. Cortactin expression is found in various cancers, including breast and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, suggesting its potential role in promoting metastasis.
Downregulation of angulin-1/LSR induces malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma
The study found that downregulation of angulin-1/LSR leads to increased claudin-2 expression and altered cell metabolism in human lung adenocarcinoma cells, promoting malignancy. Researchers identified AG1478 and EW-7197 as potential therapeutic agents.
Oncotarget | Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors deplete g-proteins in cancer cells
Researchers found significant decreases in the levels of KRAS, RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 after PCAI treatment, implicating their role in cancer progression and metastasis. These findings support the potential of PCAIs as potent agents for developing new anticancer therapeutics.
Transfer-tattoo-like cell-sheet delivery for wounds
A team of researchers developed a transfer-tattoo-like cell sheet that can be directly applied to targeted surfaces, facilitating cutaneous wound healing and promoting skin tissue regeneration. The system leverages natural cell migration between surfaces, eliminating the need for external stimuli and detachment processes.
CityU researchers identify a protein that promotes cancer metastasis, providing a new potential treatment target
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong identified lysyl hydroxylase 1 (LH1) as a key factor in promoting confined migration of liver and pancreatic cancer cells. The study found that LH1 promotes metastasis by stabilizing Septin2, which enhances the actin network.
Like a flexible Lego railway track: How stable microtubules form within cells
Scientists discovered the molecular basis of CAMSAP3's role in stabilizing microtubules, which is critical for cell survival and various cellular processes. The findings provide a key concept to understanding how microtubule dynamics control cellular phenomena.
The centrosome plays an important role in neuron migration
Researchers at DZNE discovered that centrosome controls neuronal migration but not axon growth. The study used novel molecular tools to show that centrosomal activity influences radial migration of projection neurons.
Medicines that modify the circadian clock might help heal scars more cleanly
Scientists have discovered compounds that target the circadian clock and collagen synthesis to improve scar healing. These compounds, which include Dwn1 and Dwn2, modulate cell migration and collagen synthesis without damaging fibroblasts, leading to faster healing times and reduced scarring.
Physicists model cell migration to learn how cancer cells navigate tissue
Researchers developed a computational model of mesenchymal migration to understand how cancer cells navigate tissue. The model confirms that cells adapt their movement based on surface stiffness, using internal biochemical signals and chemical cues from surrounding tissues.
New targets in the fight against pancreatic cancer
The study reveals that SETD1A overexpression is associated with poorer disease-free survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Artificially cultured cells showed increased cell growth and migration when SETD1A levels were overexpressed, while knocking down SETD1A expression led to decreased RUVBL1 gene expression.
Microchannel-containing nanofiber aerogels with small protein molecule enable accelerated diabetic wound healing
Researchers developed a nanofiber aerogel that promotes faster and more effective healing of diabetic wounds. The aerogel facilitates cell migration, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the wound bed, while incorporating an anti-microbial peptide prevents bacterial growth and promotes healing.
New research explores how cancer cells spread in the human body
Researchers at Binghamton University discover that sodium/proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) and SWELL1 proteins regulate cancer cell migration, offering insights into metastasis. The study's findings could have wide implications for slowing down or halting the deadly disease.
Oncotarget | The serine protease matriptase inhibits migration and proliferation in multiple myeloma cells
Researchers found that overexpressing matriptase reduced myeloma cell proliferation and inhibited migration. Matriptase also blocked Src kinase activation, supporting its potential as a tumor suppressor in multiple myeloma. The study provides new insights into the role of matriptase in hematological malignancies.
New evidence of biochemical states and force working in concert
A new study in Nature provides high-resolution structures showing how two key biochemical states of actin work jointly with bending forces to determine how actin can interact with other proteins. The research reveals a model of protein regulation that involves biochemical states and force working in concert.
Stopping the spread: Targeting tumor metastasis
A study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University reveals that the TGF-β signaling molecule can induce EMT in oral cancer cells, leading to high motility and metastatic potential. KRTAP2-3 expression is associated with poorer overall survival, suggesting its role as a prognostic biomarker.