Collective–amoeboid transition

Transition between collective and amoeboid cell migration

Overview

The collective–amoeboid transition is a phenomenon observed in cell biology where cells switch between two distinct modes of migration: collective cell migration and amoeboid movement. This transition is significant in various biological processes, including cancer metastasis, embryonic development, and tissue repair.

Collective Cell Migration

Patterns of cancer cell invasion

In collective cell migration, groups of cells move together as a cohesive unit. This type of migration is characterized by the maintenance of cell-cell junctions and coordinated movement. Cells in a collective migration mode often exhibit a polarized structure, with a defined front and rear, and communicate through cell signaling pathways to maintain directionality and cohesion.

Collective migration is crucial in processes such as wound healing, where epithelial cells migrate to close a wound, and during embryogenesis, where cells move to form tissues and organs. In the context of cancer, collective migration can contribute to the invasion of tumor cells into surrounding tissues.

Amoeboid Movement

Amoeboid movement is a type of cell migration characterized by individual cells moving in a more flexible and less structured manner compared to collective migration. Cells undergoing amoeboid movement often exhibit a rounded shape and move by extending and retracting pseudopodia, which are temporary projections of the cell membrane.

This mode of migration is highly adaptable and allows cells to navigate through complex environments, such as the extracellular matrix. Amoeboid movement is commonly observed in immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, which need to move rapidly to sites of infection or inflammation.

Mechanisms of Transition

The transition between collective and amoeboid migration involves changes in cell morphology, adhesion, and signaling pathways. Key factors influencing this transition include:

• Cell-Cell Adhesion: In collective migration, strong cell-cell adhesions are maintained, whereas in amoeboid movement, these adhesions are reduced or absent.
• Cytoskeletal Dynamics: The cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in both types of migration. In collective migration, actin filaments and microtubules are organized to support coordinated movement. In amoeboid movement, the cytoskeleton is more dynamic, allowing rapid shape changes.
• Extracellular Matrix Interaction: The composition and density of the extracellular matrix can influence the mode of migration. Dense matrices may promote amoeboid movement, while less dense matrices may support collective migration.
• Signaling Pathways: Various signaling pathways, including those involving Rho GTPases, regulate the transition between migration modes by modulating cytoskeletal organization and cell adhesion.

Biological Significance

The ability of cells to switch between collective and amoeboid migration is essential for their adaptability in different physiological and pathological contexts. For instance, during cancer metastasis, tumor cells may switch from collective to amoeboid migration to invade through dense tissues and spread to distant sites.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the collective–amoeboid transition can provide insights into developing therapeutic strategies to inhibit cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Additionally, this knowledge can aid in the design of tissue engineering approaches that mimic natural cell migration processes.

Related Pages

• Cell migration
• Cancer metastasis
• Embryonic development
• Wound healing
• Cytoskeleton