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Review
. 2025 Apr 1;138(7):jcs263574.
doi: 10.1242/jcs.263574. Epub 2025 Apr 4.

Regulation of cell migration by extracellular matrix mechanics at a glance

Cole Allan  1 , Ovijit Chaudhuri  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Regulation of cell migration by extracellular matrix mechanics at a glance

Cole Allan et al. J Cell Sci. .

Abstract

Cell migration occurs throughout development, tissue homeostasis and regeneration, as well as in diseases such as cancer. Cells migrate along two-dimensional (2D) surfaces or interfaces, within microtracks, or in confining three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices. Although the basic mechanisms of 2D migration are known, recent studies have elucidated unexpected migration behaviors associated with more complex substrates and have provided insights into their underlying molecular mechanisms. Studies using engineered biomaterials for 3D culture and microfabricated channels to replicate cell confinement observed in vivo have revealed distinct modes of migration. Across these contexts, the mechanical features of the surrounding microenvironment have emerged as major regulators of migration. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we describe physiological contexts wherein 2D and 3D cell migration are essential, report how mechanical properties of the microenvironment regulate individual and collective cell migration, and review the mechanisms mediating these diverse modes of cell migration.

Keywords: 3D migration; Cell migration; Extracellular matrix; Mechanotransduction.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests.

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