CELL-MIGRATION - REGULATION OF FORCE ON EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX-INTEGRINCOMPLEXES

Cell migration relies upon forces generated by the cell. Recent studie s have provided new insights into the processes by which cells generat e and regulate the forces applied to extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound integrins and have led us to the working model described here. In this model, ECM binding to integrins in the front of lamellipodia causes t hose integrins to attach to the rearward-moving cytoskeleton. Integrin -cytoskeleton attachments in the front are strengthened as a result of ECM rigidity, enabling the cell to pull itself forward. The reduction in contact area at the rear compared with that at the lamellipodium c oncentrates the traction forces in the rear on fewer integrin-ECM bond s, facilitating release. In such a model, cell pathfinding and motilit y can be influenced by ECM rigidity.