Dimensionality controls cytoskeleton assembly and metabolism of fibroblast cells in response to rigidity and shape.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Various physical parameters, including substrate rigidity, size of adhesive islands and micro-and nano-topographies, have been shown to differentially regulate cell fate in two-dimensional (2-D) cell cultures. Cells anchored in a three-dimensional (3-D) microenvironment show significantly altered phenotypes, from altered cell adhesions, to cell migration and differentiation. Yet, no systematic analysis has been performed that studied how the integrated cellular responses to the physical characteristics of the environment are regulated by dimensionality (2-D versus 3-D).

Methodology/principal findings

Arrays of 5 or 10 microm deep microwells were fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The actin cytoskeleton was compared for single primary fibroblasts adhering e

SUBMITTER: Ochsner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2843632 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature