Matrix obstructions cause multiscale disruption in collective epithelial migration by suppressing leader cell function.

ABSTRACT: During disease and development, physical changes in extracellular matrix cause jamming, unjamming, and scattering in epithelial migration. However, whether disruptions in matrix topology alter collective cell migration speed and cell-cell coordination remains unclear. We microfabricated substrates with stumps of defined geometry, density, and orientation, which create obstructions for migrating epithelial cells. Here, we show that cells lose their speed and directionality when moving through densely spaced obstructions. Although leader cells are stiffer than follower cells on flat substrates, dense obstructions cause overall cell softening. Through a lattice-based model, we identify cellular protrusions, cell-cell adhesions, and leader-follower communication as key mechanisms for obstructi

SUBMITTER: Lee YL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10398892 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature