Regulation of keratin network dynamics by the mechanical properties of the environment in migrating cells.

ABSTRACT: Keratin intermediate filaments provide mechanical resilience for epithelia. They are nevertheless highly dynamic and turn over continuously, even in sessile keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to characterize and understand how the dynamic behavior of the keratin cytoskeleton is integrated in migrating cells. By imaging human primary keratinocytes producing fluorescent reporters and by using standardized image analysis we detect inward-directed keratin flow with highest rates in the cell periphery. The keratin flow correlates with speed and trajectory of migration. Changes in fibronectin-coating density and substrate stiffness induces concordant changes in migration speed and keratin flow. When keratinocytes are pseudo-confined on stripes, migration speed and keratin flow are reduced

SUBMITTER: Pora A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7067805 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature