The collectiveâamoeboid transition (CMT) is a process by which collective multicellular groups dissociate into
amoeboid single cells following the down-regulation of
integrins.[1][2][3] CMTs contrast with
epithelialâmesenchymal transitions (EMT) which occur following a loss of
E-cadherin. Like EMTs, CATs are involved in the invasion of
tumor cells into surrounding tissues, with amoeboid movement more likely to occur in soft
extracellular matrix (ECM) and mesenchymal movement in stiff ECM. Although once differentiated, cells typically do not change their
migration mode, EMTs and CMTs are highly plastic with cells capable of interconverting between them depending on intracelluar regulatory signals and the surrounding ECM.[2][1]
CATs are the least common transition type in invading tumor cells, although they are noted in
melanomaexplants.[4][2]
The collectiveâamoeboid transition (CMT) is a process by which collective multicellular groups dissociate into
amoeboid single cells following the down-regulation of
integrins.[1][2][3] CMTs contrast with
epithelialâmesenchymal transitions (EMT) which occur following a loss of
E-cadherin. Like EMTs, CATs are involved in the invasion of
tumor cells into surrounding tissues, with amoeboid movement more likely to occur in soft
extracellular matrix (ECM) and mesenchymal movement in stiff ECM. Although once differentiated, cells typically do not change their
migration mode, EMTs and CMTs are highly plastic with cells capable of interconverting between them depending on intracelluar regulatory signals and the surrounding ECM.[2][1]
CATs are the least common transition type in invading tumor cells, although they are noted in
melanomaexplants.[4][2]