Mechanisms for fast cell migration in complex environments

  • Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2017 Oct:48:72-78. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.04.007.
Pablo Vargas  1 ,  Lucie Barbier  2 ,  Pablo José Sáez  3 ,  Matthieu Piel  3
Affiliations
  • 1. Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France; Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 2. Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France; Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France; Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.
  • 3. Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France; Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France.
PMID: 28641118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.04.007
Abstract

Cell migration depends on a combination of the cell's intrinsic capacity to move and the proper interpretation of external cues. This multistep process enables leukocytes to travel long distances in organs in just a few hours. This fast migration is partly due to the leukocytes' high level of plasticity, which helps them to adapt to a changing environment. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the mechanisms used by leukocytes to move rapidly and efficiently in intricate anatomical landscapes. We shall focus on specific cytoskeletal rearrangements used by neutrophils and dendritic cells to migrate within confined environments. Lastly, we will describe the properties that facilitate the rapid migration of leukocyte in complex tissue geometries.