Changes in cell migration of mesenchymal cells during osteogenic differentiation

► We investigated the link between osteogenic differentiation and cell migration. ► The motility of progenitor cells dramatically changed during differentiation. ► A mesenchymal mode of cell migration was promoted by inhibition of ROCK signaling. ► Upregulated migration of progenitor cells increased ectopic bone formation in vivo. ► Our findings may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for bone formation.