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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Collective Cell Migration in Tissue Building

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Collective cell migration (CCM) is an essential process during tissue building and morphogenesis of animal body plans, but it can also occur in pathogenic situations. A detailed study of this cell behaviour in several model systems has allowed to determine that cells move coordinately but interact differently while migrating together, thus defining several categories of collective cell movements. They are regulated by guidance signals that act as chemoattractants and allow directionality of movement and whose levels, together with the action of repulsive molecular cues, influence this movement. Besides, cells in the moving group affect each other through cell–cell interactions but they also interplay with the environment. Here, we describe the specific features of CCM and its different manifestations in vivo. We also discuss the potential relevance of the results obtained in the study of this cell behaviour in deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumour invasion and metastasis. Key Concepts Cells can move either individually or collectivelly. Collective cell migration occurs during morphogenesis of animal body plans. Abnormal collective migration underlies pathological states such as tumour cell invasion and metastasis. During collective cell migration, groups of cells move together directionally and in a coordinated manner. Collective cell movements are regulated by dynamic gradients of extracellular signalling molecules, environmental geometrical constraints and intercellular communication. Different types of collective cell movements have been defined according to the interactions among the cells in the moving cluster. The use of in vitro, in vivo and theoretical models is contributing to understand how collective cell migration occurs. Keywords: collective migration; morphogenesis; cell signalling; cell behaviour; model systems; tumour invasion