Anisotropy of cell adhesive microenvironment governs cell internal organization and orientation of polarity.

ABSTRACT: Control of the establishment of cell polarity is an essential function in tissue morphogenesis and renewal that depends on spatial cues provided by the extracellular environment. The molecular role of cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts on the establishment of cell polarity has been well characterized. It has been hypothesized that the geometry of the cell adhesive microenvironment was directing cell surface polarization and internal organization. To define how the extracellular environment affects cell polarity, we analyzed the organization of individual cells plated on defined micropatterned substrates imposing cells to spread on various combinations of adhesive and nonadhesive areas. The reproducible normalization effect on overall cell compartmentalization enabled qua

SUBMITTER: Thery M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1750916 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature