Leader cells mechanically respond to aligned collagen architecture to direct collective migration.

ABSTRACT: Leader cells direct collective migration through sensing cues in their microenvironment to determine migration direction. The mechanism by which leader cells sense the mechanical cue of organized matrix architecture culminating in a mechanical response is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the effect of organized collagen matrix fibers on leader cell mechanics and demonstrate that leader cells protrude along aligned fibers resulting in an elongated phenotype of the entire cluster. Further, leader cells show increased mechanical interactions with their nearby matrix compared to follower cells, as evidenced by increased traction forces, increased and larger focal adhesions, and increased expression of integrin-α2. Together our results demonstrate changes in mechanical matrix cu

SUBMITTER: Lichtenberg JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10760762 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature