Substrate resistance to traction forces controls fibroblast polarization

The mechanics of fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix regulate cell physiology in a number of diseases, prompting efforts to elucidate cell mechanosensing mechanisms at the molecular and cellular scale. Here, the use of fibronectin-functionalized silicone elastomers that exhibit considerable freque...

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Hauptverfasser: Missirlis, Dimitris (VerfasserIn) , Haraszti, Tamás (VerfasserIn) , Heckmann, Lara (VerfasserIn) , Spatz, Joachim P. (VerfasserIn)
Dokumenttyp: Article (Journal)
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 18 November 2020
In: Biophysical journal
Year: 2020, Jahrgang: 119, Heft: 12, Pages: 2558-2572
ISSN:1542-0086
DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2020.10.043
Online-Zugang:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2020.10.043
Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006349520308900
Volltext
Verfasserangaben:Dimitris Missirlis, Tamás Haraszti, Lara Heckmann, and Joachim P. Spatz
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Zusammenfassung:The mechanics of fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix regulate cell physiology in a number of diseases, prompting efforts to elucidate cell mechanosensing mechanisms at the molecular and cellular scale. Here, the use of fibronectin-functionalized silicone elastomers that exhibit considerable frequency dependence in viscoelastic properties unveiled the presence of two cellular processes that respond discreetly to substrate mechanical properties. Weakly cross-linked elastomers supported efficient focal adhesion maturation and fibroblast spreading because of an apparent stiff surface layer. However, they did not enable cytoskeletal and fibroblast polarization; elastomers with high cross-linking and low deformability were required for polarization. Our results suggest as an underlying reason for this behavior the inability of soft elastomer substrates to resist traction forces rather than a lack of sufficient traction force generation. Accordingly, mild inhibition of actomyosin contractility rescued fibroblast polarization even on the softer elastomers. Our findings demonstrate differential dependence of substrate physical properties on distinct mechanosensitive processes and provide a premise to reconcile previously proposed local and global models of cell mechanosensing.
Beschreibung:Gesehen am 09.02.2022
Beschreibung:Online Resource
ISSN:1542-0086
DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2020.10.043