Cell Mechanics Drives Migration Modes

Abstract

The classical migration modes, such as mesenchymal or amoeboid migration modes, are essentially determined by molecular, morphological or biochemical properties of the cells. These specific properties facilitate the cell migration and invasion through artificial extracellular matrices mimicking the environmental conditions of connective tissues. However, during the migration of cells through narrow extracellular matrix constrictions, the specific extracellular matrix environments can either support or impair the invasion of cells. Beyond the classical molecular or biochemical properties, the migration and invasion of cells depends on intracellular cell mechanical characteristics and extracellular matrix mechanical features. The switch between cell states, such as epithelial, mesenchymal or amoeboid states, seems to be mainly based on epigenetic changes and environmental cues that induce the reversible transition of cells toward another state and thereby promote a specific migration mode. However, the exact number of migration modes is not yet clear. Moreover, it is also unclear whether every individual cell, independent of the type, can undergo a transition between all different migration modes in general. A newer theory states that the transition from the jamming to unjamming phase of clustered cells enables cells to migrate as single cells through extracellular matrix confinements. This review will highlight the mechanical features of cells and their matrix environment that regulate and subsequently determine individual migration modes. It is discussed whether each migration mode in each cell type is detectable or whether some migration modes are limited to artificially engineered matrices in vitro and can therefore not or only rarely be detected in vivo. It is specifically pointed out how the intracellular architecture and its contribution to cellular stiffness or contractility favors the employment of a distinct migration mode. Finally, this review envisions a connection between mechanical properties of cells and matrices and the choice of a distinct migration mode in confined 3D microenvironments.