High fidelity visualization of cell-to-cell variation and temporal dynamics in nascent extracellular matrix formation.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular matrix dynamics are key to tissue morphogenesis, homeostasis, injury, and repair. The spatiotemporal organization of this matrix has profound biological implications, but is challenging to monitor using standard techniques. Here, we address these challenges by using noncanonical amino acid tagging to fluorescently label extracellular matrix synthesized in the presence of bio-orthogonal methionine analogs. This strategy labels matrix proteins with high resolution, without compromising their distribution or mechanical function. We demonstrate that the organization and temporal dynamics of the proteinaceous matrix depend on the biophysical features of the microenvironment, including the biomaterial scaffold and the niche constructed by cells themselves. Pulse labeling experiment

SUBMITTER: McLeod CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5150986 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature