A View of Cell Migration Dynamics at the Single-Cell Level

Cell migration is a fundamental process during embryonic development and throughout adult life where it is critically involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration, as well as in the progression of various disease states. During embryogenesis and in patho-physiological conditions it is exerted as a highly directional movement of cohorts (“collective”) or single (“mesenchymal”) cells toward defined sites. By contrast, in pathological conditions, such as cancer, it gives the impression to ensue as an opportunistic displacement of groups of malignant cells that take advantage of local microenvironmental conditions. There are at least four mechanisms known to date for the control of cell movement including chemotaxis, haptotaxis, galvanotaxis (electrotaxis), durataxis, alignotaxis and contact guidance. However, how each single migrating cell responds to these external, microenvironmental cues as well as how reciprocal interactions between the moving cells dictate the outcome of these responses remain central themes for a better comprehension of the process.

It is envisioned that cellular and molecular events taking place within each individual cell in motion are decisive in orchestrating the migratory patterns of that cell and its neighboring cells. Therefore, a complete understanding of the events associated with a moving cell is fundamental to gain a comprehensive picture of the regulation of cell movement.

In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of manuscripts including, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Reviews and/or experimental articles on the role of mechanotransduction in regulating cell movement at the single cell level.
• Reviews and/or experimental articles addressing the responses of single cells to chemotaxis, durataxis, haptotaxis and migration along oriented matrix (alignotaxis) and tissue structures.
• Reviews and/or experimental articles approaching the individual responses of moving cells to chemotactic cues.
• Reviews and/or experimental articles addressing how single cells moving in the wrong direction or path may correct their migration.
• Reviews and/or experimental articles describing the role of a single cell in collective cell movement.
• Reviews and/or experimental articles addressing the omics of the locomotory cell.
• Reviews and/or experimental articles dealing with contact guidance of single cells in simpler or more complex environments.