Promigratory and procontractile growth factor environments differentially regulate cell morphogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Three-dimensional (3D) cell-matrix cultures provide a useful model to analyze and dissect the structural, functional, and mechanical aspects of cell-matrix interactions and motile behavior important for cell and tissue morphogenesis. In the current studies we tested the effects of serum and physiological growth factors on the morphogenetic behavior of human fibroblasts cultured on the surfaces of 3D collagen matrices. Fibroblasts in medium containing serum contracted into clusters, whereas cells in medium containing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were observed to migrate as individuals. The clustering activity of serum appeared to depend on lysophosphatidic acid, required cell contraction based on inhibition by blocking Rho kinase or myosin II, and was reversed upon switching to PDG

SUBMITTER: Rhee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2787981 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature