Substrates with engineered step changes in rigidity induce traction force polarity and durotaxis.

ABSTRACT: Rigidity sensing plays a fundamental role in multiple cell functions ranging from migration, to proliferation and differentiation^1-5. During migration, single cells have been reported to preferentially move toward more rigid regions of a substrate in a process termed durotaxis. Durotaxis could contribute to cell migration in wound healing and gastrulation, where local gradients in tissue rigidity have been described. Despite the potential importance of this phenomenon to physiology and disease, it remains unclear how rigidity guides these behaviors and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. To investigate the functional role of subcellular distribution and dynamics of cellular traction forces during durotaxis, we developed a unique microfabrication strat

SUBMITTER: Breckenridge MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5055071 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature