Ameboid movement of cancer cells

Abstract

Cell migration is a very complicated process essential for proper functioning of all living cells and organisms. It underlies numerous physiological processes as embryogenesis or wound healing as well as pathological processes such as cancer cell metastasis. The manner of cell locomotion was classified based on many parameters. There are two ways of individual migration: amoeboid and mesenchymal. The locomotion of groups of cells is known as collective type of movement. Amoeboid migration refers to rounded or ellipsoid cells and is regulated by Rho family proteins. It is stimulated by GTPase Rho and kinase ROCK. Cells which migrate in amoeboid mode do not form mature focal adhesions or stress fibres composed of polymerized actin. These cells form very dynamic migratory protrusions called blebbs. They are formed on the leading edge of the cell, which moves forward due to contractions occurring at opposite edge. In contrast to mesenchymal mode of movement, in amoeboid migration proteases activity is not required, because cells just squeeze through gaps present in extracellular matrix using actomyosin contractility. Additionally cells are able to change their mode of migration. One of this possible transformation is mesenchymal to amoeboid transition, which is crucial in metastasis and cancer invasion. This paper describes mechanisms responsible for amoeboid movement and basic pathways regulating this process.