Matrix topology guides collective cell migration in vivo

Abstract

Diverse modes of cell migration shape organisms in health and disease and much research has focused on the role of intracellular and extracellular components in different cell migration phenomena. What is less explored, however, is how the arrangement of the underlying extracellular matrix that many cells move upon in vivo influences migration. Combining novel transgenic lines and image analysis pipelines, reveals that during zebrafish optic cup formation cells use cryptopodia-like protrusions to migrate collectively and actively over a topologically changing matrix. These changing topologies correspond to different cell-matrix interactions. Interference with matrix topology results in loss of cryptopodia and inefficient migration. Thus, matrix topology influences the efficiency of directed collective cell migration during eye morphogenesis, a concept likely conserved in other developmental and disease contexts.

Cell–matrix and cell–cell interaction mechanics in guiding migration

“…What controls nuclear folding is an intriguing question that has not been explored but could potentially be used to control the threshold level for how sensitive cells are to compression. It is also important to note that the mechanisms described above have only been observed in vitro , while in vivo observations are still scarce [ 49 ] and thus more research is needed.…”