Biomarkers to quantify cell migration characteristics

Background: Because cell movement is primarily driven by the connection between F-actin and integrin through a physical linkage, cellular elasticity and adhesion strength have been considered as biomarkers of cell motility. However, a consistent set of biomarkers that indicate the potential for cell motility is still lacking. Methods: In this work, we characterize a phenotype of cell migration in terms of cellular elasticity and adhesion strength, which reveals the interdependence of subcellular systems that mediate optimal cell migration. Results: Stiff cells weakly adhered to the substrate revealed superior motility, while soft cell migration with strong adhesion was relatively inhibited. The spatial distribution and amount of F-actin and integrin were highly variable depending on cell type, but their density exhibited linear correlations with cellular elasticity and adhesion strength, respectively. Conclusions: The densities of F-actin and integrin exhibited linear correlations with cellular elasticity and adhesion strength, respectively, therefore, they can be considered as biomarkers to quantify cell migration characteristics.