About this Research Topic

Background

Intercellular communication is a fundamental aspect of cell biology, enabling cells to exchange messages with their surroundings and coordinate behaviors adaptively. This process is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis, and disruptions in cell interactions can lead to various pathological conditions. Recent studies have underscored the importance of cell communication in processes such as maintaining cerebrovascular integrity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the motility stages of metastasis. Despite significant advancements, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions, particularly in the context of cancer cell motility and barrier functions, remains incomplete. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

This research topic aims to explore the diverse biological processes governed by cell communication signaling networks under both normal and pathological conditions. Specifically, the focus is on three key areas: intercellular junctions with barrier functions, cell adhesion molecules that mediate interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), and actin-rich protrusions such as podosomes in normal cells and invadopodia in cancer cells. By investigating these areas, the research seeks to answer critical questions about the regulation of cell motility and the role of cell communication in disease progression. The goal is to uncover novel insights that could lead to the identification of potential biomarkers for early tumor detection and the development of more efficient treatment strategies.

To gather further insights into the mechanisms of dynamic cell communications, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Signaling via cell-cell communication
- Genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic approaches in cell communication research
- Cross-talks of signaling molecules involved in cell motility
- Regulation of podosome formation in healthy cells
- Processes of invadopodia formation in malignant cells
- Molecular profiling of pathogenic cell communications
- Protein-protein interactions regulating cell motility

We encourage the submission of both review papers and original research studies that delve into these aspects of cell-cell communication.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: cell-cell communication, intercellular junctions, cross-talks of signaling molecules involved in cell motility, podosome, invadosome, invadopodia, genomic/epigenomic/proteomic approaches, protein-protein interactions regulating cell communications

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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