Moving through a changing world: Single cell migration in 2D vs. 3D

Anna Pawluchin; Milos Galic

doi:10.3389/fcell.2022.1080995

Moving through a changing world: Single cell migration in 2D vs. 3D

Front Cell Dev Biol. 2022 Dec 20:10:1080995. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1080995. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Anna Pawluchin^{1

2

3}, Milos Galic^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
² Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
³ CIM-IMRPS Graduate Program, Münster, Germany.

Abstract

Migration of single adherent cells is frequently observed in the developing and adult organism and has been the subject of many studies. Yet, while elegant work has elucidated molecular and mechanical cues affecting motion dynamics on a flat surface, it remains less clear how cells migrate in a 3D setting. In this review, we explore the changing parameters encountered by cells navigating through a 3D microenvironment compared to cells crawling on top of a 2D surface, and how these differences alter subcellular structures required for propulsion. We further discuss how such changes at the micro-scale impact motion pattern at the macro-scale.

Keywords: cell migration; cytoskeletal forces; extracellular matrix; membrane curvature; self-organization.

Publication types

Review