Interplay between intercellular signaling and cell movement in development

Abstract

Cell movement and local intercellular signaling are crucial components of morphogenesis during animal development. Intercellular signaling regulates the collective movement of a cell population via direct cell–cell contact. Cell movement, conversely, can influence local intercellular signaling by rearranging neighboring cells. Here, we first discuss theoretical models that address how intercellular signaling regulates collective cell movement during development. Examples include neural crest cell migration, convergent extension, and cell movement during vertebrate axis elongation. Second, we review theoretical studies on how cell movement may affect intercellular signaling, using the segmentation clock in zebrafish as an example. We propose that interplay between cell movement and intercellular signaling must be considered when studying morphogenesis in embryonic development.