Mean deformation metrics for quantifying 3D cell-matrix interactions without requiring information about matrix material properties.

ABSTRACT: Mechanobiology relates cellular processes to mechanical signals, such as determining the effect of variations in matrix stiffness with cell tractions. Cell traction recorded via traction force microscopy (TFM) commonly takes place on materials such as polyacrylamide- and polyethylene glycol-based gels. Such experiments remain limited in physiological relevance because cells natively migrate within complex tissue microenvironments that are spatially heterogeneous and hierarchical. Yet, TFM requires determination of the matrix constitutive law (stress-strain relationship), which is not always readily available. In addition, the currently achievable displacement resolution limits the accuracy of TFM for relatively small cells. To overcome these limitations, and increase the physiological rele

SUBMITTER: Stout DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4801239 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature