Gewebemobilität

Gewebemobilität refers to the ability of cells within a tissue to move. This movement is a fundamental process in biology, crucial for various physiological and pathological events. In healthy tissues, cellular mobility plays a vital role in development, such as during embryogenesis when cells migrate to form different organs and structures. It is also essential for tissue repair and regeneration after injury, where cells move to the damaged area to replace lost or destroyed tissue. The immune system relies heavily on cell mobility, with immune cells constantly patrolling the body and migrating to sites of infection or inflammation to combat pathogens.

However, uncontrolled or aberrant Gewebemobilität can contribute to disease. In cancer, for example, the ability of cancer cells to detach from the primary tumor and invade surrounding tissues, a process known as invasion, is a hallmark of malignancy. This metastatic potential, driven by enhanced Gewebemobilität, allows cancer to spread to distant parts of the body, leading to secondary tumors. Understanding the mechanisms regulating Gewebemobilität, including the role of cell-cell adhesion molecules, the cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix interactions, is therefore crucial for both basic research and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting diseases characterized by abnormal cell movement.