Past matrix stiffness primes epithelial cells and regulates their future collective migration through a mechanical memory.

ABSTRACT: During morphogenesis and cancer metastasis, grouped cells migrate through tissues of dissimilar stiffness. Although the influence of matrix stiffness on cellular mechanosensitivity and motility are well-recognized, it remains unknown whether these matrix-dependent cellular features persist after cells move to a new microenvironment. Here, we interrogate whether priming of epithelial cells by a given matrix stiffness influences their future collective migration on a different matrix - a property we refer to as the 'mechanical memory' of migratory cells. To prime cells on a defined matrix and track their collective migration onto an adjoining secondary matrix of dissimilar stiffness, we develop a modular polyacrylamide substrate through step-by-step polymerization of different PA composition

SUBMITTER: Nasrollahi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5659718 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature