Directional cell migration in an extracellular pH gradient: A model study with an engineered cell line and primary microvascular endothelial cells

► Both αvβ3 CHO-B2 cells and MVECs migrate toward the acidic end of pHe gradient. ► Preferential polarization and faster migration toward acid implicated as mechanisms. ► Acidic pHe stabilizes membrane protrusions. ► Acidic pHe increases actin-integrin adhesion complex formation.