Theory 43/Cell Mechanics
Migration Mode Is an Adhesion Ratio
The claim
The mode of cell migration is set by the ratio of adhesion strength to contractility, with adhesion-dominated cells moving by protrusion and contractility-dominated cells moving by blebbing.
01The mechanism
Protrusion requires grip on the substrate while blebbing requires detachment; the ratio determines which strategy can generate net displacement.
02Predictions
- P1Mode should switch at a ratio threshold.
- P2Either parameter alone should mispredict.
03Refutation
Mode tracking adhesion alone would remove the ratio.