Effect of Cell–Cell Adhesion on Epithelial Monolayer Fluidity

Cells adhere to each other through surface proteins expressed at cell-cell junctions. Many current models hypothesize that a decrease in cell–cell adhesion leads to a smaller shape index, resulting in less fluid-like collective behavior. By contrast, it is also possible that reduced adhesion could lower intercellular friction, promoting greater fluidity. Here, we test this interplay in a living cell monolayer by disrupting cell–cell adhesions. Our results show that reduced adhesion can increase fluidity, suggesting that models and theories for collective cell migration should account for intercellular friction.