Synthetic fibrous hydrogels as a platform to decipher cell-matrix mechanical interactions.

ABSTRACT: Cells continuously sense external forces from their microenvironment, the extracellular matrix (ECM). In turn, they generate contractile forces, which stiffen and remodel this matrix. Although this bidirectional mechanical exchange is crucial for many cell functions, it remains poorly understood. Key challenges are that the majority of available matrices for such studies, either natural or synthetic, are difficult to control or lack biological relevance. Here, we use a synthetic, yet highly biomimetic hydrogel based on polyisocyanide (PIC) polymers to investigate the effects of the fibrous architecture and the nonlinear mechanics on cell-matrix interactions. Live-cell rheology was combined with advanced microscopy-based approaches to understand the mechanisms behind cell-induced matrix sti

SUBMITTER: Yuan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10104511 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature