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Intracellular calcium controls many molecular process required for cell movement. It is not known how calcium controls overall cell movement. Transient increases in intracellular calcium during the locomotion of fish epithelial keratocytes were found to happen more frequently in cells that are temporarily stuck to the substratum or when mechanically stretched. Calcium transients occur from the activation of stretch-activated calcium channels.

A kinematic description of locomotion of fish epidermal keratocytes is presented. These cells exhibit semicircular shape and persistent 'gliding' motion. It is proposed that the extension on the front and retraction of the rear of these cells occurs orthogonal to the cell edge. In addition, a graded distribution of extension and retraction rates along the cell margin maintains cell shape and size during locomotion.