Epithelial Monolayers Coalesce on a Viscoelastic Substrate through Redistribution of Vinculin.

ABSTRACT: The mechanical properties of the microenvironment play a large role in influencing cellular behavior. In particular, the tradeoff between substrate viscosity and elasticity on collective cell migration by adherent cells is highly physiologically relevant, but remains poorly understood. To investigate the specific effects of viscous substrates, we plated epithelial monolayers onto polydimethylsiloxane substrata with a range of viscosities and elasticities. We found that on viscoelastic substrates the monolayers underwent rapid and coordinated movement to generate cell-free areas. To understand the molecular mechanism of this coordinated movement, we imaged various structural and signaling proteins at cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions. Through quantitative image analysis of monolayer disru

SUBMITTER: Zheng JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5627150 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature