Crawling, waving, inch worming, dilating, and pivoting mechanics of migrating cells: Lessons from Ken Jacobson

Research on the locomotion of single cells on hard, flat surfaces brought insight into the mechanisms of leadingedge protrusion, spatially graded adhesion, front-rear coordination, and how intracellular and traction forces are harnessed to execute various maneuvers. Here, we highlight how, by studying a variety of cell types, shapes, and movements, Ken Jacobson and his collaborators made several discoveries that triggered the mechanistic understanding of cell motility. We then review the recent advancements and current perspectives in this field.

Automated summary

Research on the locomotion of single cells on hard, flat surfaces has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cell motility, such as leading-edge protrusion, spatially graded adhesion, front-rear coordination, and the utilization of intracellular and traction forces. The discoveries made by Ken Jacobson and his collaborators through their studies on various cell types, shapes, and movements have significantly contributed to the mechanistic understanding of cell motility. In this article, we review the recent advancements and current perspectives in this field.