cell motility

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process involved in the controlled self-propelled movement of a cell that results in translocation of the cell from one place to another. [GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:isa_complete, GOC:mlg]

Cell motility is a fundamental biological process that enables cells to move from one location to another. This movement can be driven by various mechanisms, including the action of flagella or cilia, the formation of pseudopodia, or the coordinated movement of cytoskeletal components. The process of cell motility involves a complex interplay of signaling pathways, cytoskeletal dynamics, and interactions with the extracellular environment.

**Key Steps in Cell Motility:**

1. **Signal Reception and Transduction:** Motility is often initiated by external signals, such as chemoattractants or gradients of nutrients. These signals are detected by cell surface receptors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that activate downstream effector proteins.

2. **Cytoskeletal Reorganization:** The cytoskeleton, composed of microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments, provides structural support and facilitates cell movement. Actin polymerization and depolymerization drive the extension and retraction of protrusions, while microtubules provide tracks for motor proteins to transport organelles and vesicles.

3. **Adhesion and Detachment:** Cells must adhere to a substrate to move. Adhesion molecules, such as integrins, mediate interactions between the cell and the extracellular matrix. Adhesion and detachment cycles allow cells to move forward by releasing the trailing edge and forming new adhesions at the leading edge.

4. **Propulsion and Traction:** Cell motility can be driven by different mechanisms, including:
* **Flagellar and Ciliary Movement:** Flagella and cilia are hair-like structures that beat rhythmically to propel cells through fluid environments.
* **Amoeboid Movement:** Cells form pseudopodia, temporary protrusions of the cell membrane, that are driven by actin polymerization and contraction.
* **Crawling Movement:** Cells adhere to a substrate and move by extending protrusions, attaching to the substrate, and contracting the trailing edge.

5. **Directional Guidance:** Cell movement can be directed by chemotaxis, the movement towards or away from a chemical gradient, or haptotaxis, the movement towards or away from a substrate gradient.

**Examples of Cell Motility:**

* **Leukocyte migration:** Immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, use motility to reach sites of infection or inflammation.
* **Embryonic development:** Cell movement is crucial for tissue formation and organogenesis during embryonic development.
* **Wound healing:** Cells migrate to repair damaged tissues.
* **Cancer metastasis:** Cancer cells use motility to spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body.

**Factors Influencing Cell Motility:**

* **Cell type:** Different cell types exhibit distinct motility mechanisms and behaviors.
* **Extracellular matrix:** The composition and structure of the extracellular matrix can influence cell adhesion, migration, and directionality.
* **Signaling pathways:** Intracellular signaling pathways regulate cell motility by controlling cytoskeletal dynamics, adhesion, and directional guidance.
* **Environmental cues:** External stimuli, such as light, temperature, and pH, can affect cell movement.

**Regulation of Cell Motility:**

Cell motility is tightly regulated by a complex interplay of signaling pathways, cytoskeletal dynamics, and interactions with the extracellular environment. These regulatory mechanisms ensure that cells move in a coordinated and controlled manner, allowing them to perform their specific functions within the body.'
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Proteins (16)

Compounds (899)