Mechanisms of collective cell migration in wound healing: physiology and disease

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex dynamic multicellular mechanism involving a series of interrelated physiological advancements from chemical signaling to tissue level structures in the body at subcellular to intracellular levels. There are three stages of wound healing. The initial stages of wound healing include hemostasis and the activation of different inflammatory cells. The intermediate stages involve the proliferation and migration of cells, matrix deposition, and angiogenesis. The last stage of wound healing involves remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in scar tissue formation. Cellular microenvironment at the wound surface plays major role in maximizing the healing potential via multiple intra- and inter-cellular mechanisms. Most important of them is collective cell migration leading to wound healing. In addition, by causing disruptions in tissue repair processes, many systemic and local factors affect the healing process, leading to chronic or non-healing wounds. We describe here the above-mentioned aspects of mechanisms of wound healing, collective cell migration, and the factors affecting wound healing. The overarching goal of research in wound healing would help design and develop better therapeutics for the same and help in improvement of health.