Cell invasion refers to the process by which cells penetrate through barriers, such as the extracellular matrix or other cell layers, to access different sites within the body. This process is crucial for various physiological functions, such as immune response, wound healing, and tissue development, but it can also contribute to disease progression, such as cancer metastasis. Research in the field of cell invasion aims to understand the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that govern this process, including the role of specific cell surface receptors, cytoskeletal dynamics, and enzymes involved in cell migration and invasion. By studying cell invasion, researchers can gain insight into how normal and pathological conditions are regulated and develop potential therapeutic strategies to target invasive cell behavior in diseases like cancer.