Focal adhesion clustering drives endothelial cell morphology on patterned surfaces.

ABSTRACT: In many cell types, shape and function are intertwined. In vivo, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are typically elongated and aligned in the direction of blood flow; however, near branches and bifurcations where atherosclerosis develops, ECs are often cuboidal and have no preferred orientation. Thus, understanding the factors that regulate EC shape and alignment is important. In vitro, EC morphology and orientation are exquisitely sensitive to the composition and topography of the substrate on which the cells are cultured; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Different strategies of substrate patterning for regulating EC shape and orientation have been reported including adhesive motifs on planar surfaces and micro- or nano-scale gratings that provide substrate topo

SUBMITTER: Natale CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6769311 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature