Rapid Mechanosensitive Migration and Dispersal of Newly Divided Mesenchymal Cells Aid Their Recruitment into Dermal Condensates

This study investigates the behavior of embryonic mesenchymal cells in mouse and chicken embryonic skin, revealing that these cells exhibit a distinct pattern of movement during early interphase. Following cell division, there is a 3-hour phase of rapid and persistent migration, which then shifts to a period of low motility. The direction of cell division and the subsequent migration are influenced by tissue tension and require active WNT secretion. This mechanosensitive response enables the newly divided mesenchymal cells to disperse effectively and travel considerable distances to join dermal condensates. These findings highlight the significant impact of the cell cycle's subphase on the fundamental behaviors of mesenchymal cells, which is crucial for their role in forming structures such as hair follicles and other epithelial tissues.