Emergence of collective propulsion through cell-cell adhesion

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical model showing that polarized cell-cell adhesion can induce collective propulsion in cell groups, providing insights into the mechanisms of collective cell migration.

Contribution

It introduces a new model demonstrating how polarized cell-cell adhesion can lead to persistent collective movement in cell populations.

Findings

Cells exhibit collective propulsion at high density due to adhesion.

Polarized adhesion induces ordered movement in cell groups.

Isolated cells perform a random walk without persistent propulsion.

Abstract

The mechanisms driving the collective movement of cells remain poorly understood. To contribute toward resolving this mystery, a model was formulated to theoretically explore the possible functions of polarized cell-cell adhesion in collective cell migration. The model consists of an amoeba cell with polarized cell-cell adhesion, which is controlled by positive feedback with cell motion. This model cell has no persistent propulsion, and therefore exhibits a simple random walk when in isolation. However, at high density, these cells acquire collective propulsion and form ordered movement. This result suggests that cell-cell adhesion has a potential function, which induces collective propulsion with persistence.