Collagen polarization promotes epithelial elongation by stimulating locoregional cell proliferation.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial networks are commonly generated by processes where multicellular aggregates elongate and branch. Here, we focus on understanding cellular mechanisms for elongation using an organotypic culture system as a model of mammary epithelial anlage. Isotropic cell aggregates broke symmetry and slowly elongated when transplanted into collagen 1 gels. The elongating regions of aggregates displayed enhanced cell proliferation that was necessary for elongation to occur. Strikingly, this locoregional increase in cell proliferation occurred where collagen 1 fibrils reorganized into bundles that were polarized with the elongating aggregates. Applying external stretch as a cell-independent way to reorganize the extracellular matrix, we found that collagen polarization stimulated regional cell pr

SUBMITTER: Katsuno-Kambe H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8550756 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature