Directing cell migration with asymmetric micropatterns.

ABSTRACT: This report shows that the direction of polarization of attached mammalian cells determines the direction in which they move. Surfaces micropatterned with appropriately functionalized self-assembled monolayers constrain individual cells to asymmetric geometries (for example, a teardrop); these geometries polarize the morphology of the cell. After electrochemical desorption of the self-assembled monolayers removes these constraints and allows the cells to move across the surface, they move toward their blunt ends.

SUBMITTER: Jiang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC545855 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature