Fibroblast cluster formation on 3D collagen matrices requires cell contraction dependent fibronectin matrix organization.

ABSTRACT: Fibroblasts incubated on 3D collagen matrices in serum or lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-containing medium self-organize into clusters through a mechanism that requires cell contraction. However, in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-containing medium, cells migrate as individuals and do not form clusters even though they constantly encounter each other. Here, we present evidence that a required function of cell contraction in clustering is formation of fibronectin (FN) fibrillar matrix. We found that in serum or LPA but not in PDGF or basal medium, cells organized FN (both serum and cellular) into a fibrillar, detergent-insoluble matrix. Cell clusters developed concomitant with FN matrix formation. FN fibrils accumulated beneath cells and along the borders of cell clusters in regions of c

SUBMITTER: da Rocha-Azevedo B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3563764 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature