Focal adhesion-mediated directional cell migration guided by gradient-stretched substrate.

ABSTRACT: Soft tissues experience strain under mechanical stresses, storing energy as residual stresses and strain energy. However, the specific impact of such strain on cell migration and its molecular mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we investigated this by using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes with varying prestrain levels but constant stiffness to mimic tissue-like conditions. Results showed that higher prestrain levels enhanced 3T3 fibroblast adhesion and reduced filopodia formation. Elevated prestrain also increased integrin and vinculin expression, which was associated with lower cell migration rates. Notably, both 3T3 fibroblasts and primary rat airway smooth muscle cells migrated faster toward higher prestrain areas on substrates with strain gradients. Knockdown of integrin

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11301061 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature