Integrins in cell migration.

Integrins are cell-surface adhesion receptors that play a central role in regulating cell migration by mediating interactions between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms by which the formation and breakdown of adhesions are regulated. Here we describe general methods used to study integrin-mediated cell migration. Furthermore, we outline detailed procedures to examine focal adhesion assembly and disassembly using time-lapse fluorescent microscopy. Finally, we provide methods for the analysis of podosomes, which are highly dynamic adhesive structures that form in immune cells and invasive cancer cells.