Nano-Patterns Inhibiting Focal Contact Maturation Induce Lamellipodia Formation in Fibroblasts
Author Information
Author(s): Lutz Roman, Pataky Kristopher, Gadhari Neha, Marelli Mattia, Brugger Juergen, Chiquet Matthias
Primary Institution: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
Hypothesis
How does restricting the size of cell-matrix adhesions affect cell morphology and behavior?
Conclusion
Limiting the size of cell-matrix adhesions to less than 1 µm² affects fibroblast morphology, actin dynamics, migration, and ECM assembly.
Supporting Evidence
- Cells on smaller patterns formed excessive lamellipodia and did not polarize.
- Fibroblasts on larger patterns formed stress fibers and elongated.
- Manipulating adhesion size influenced actin dynamics and migration speed.
Takeaway
When cells stick to tiny patterns, they change shape and move differently, making lots of little arms called lamellipodia instead of stretching out.
Methodology
Fibroblasts were plated on RGD-coupled gold patterns of varying sizes and stained for vinculin and actin to analyze adhesion and morphology.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on mouse embryo fibroblasts, which may not represent all cell types.
Participant Demographics
Mouse embryo fibroblasts were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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