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Cheung BCH, Abbed RJ, Wu M, Leggett SE. 3D Traction Force Microscopy in Biological Gels: From Single Cells to Multicellular Spheroids. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:93-118. [PMID: 38316064 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-103122-031130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cell traction force plays a critical role in directing cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Current understanding of cell traction force is largely derived from 2D measurements where cells are plated on 2D substrates. However, 2D measurements do not recapitulate a vital aspect of living systems; that is, cells actively remodel their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), and the remodeled ECM, in return, can have a profound impact on cell phenotype and traction force generation. This reciprocal adaptivity of living systems is encoded in the material properties of biological gels. In this review, we summarize recent progress in measuring cell traction force for cells embedded within 3D biological gels, with an emphasis on cell-ECM cross talk. We also provide perspectives on tools and techniques that could be adapted to measure cell traction force in complex biochemical and biophysical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C H Cheung
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Rana J Abbed
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Susan E Leggett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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2
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Morales IA, Boghdady CM, Campbell BE, Moraes C. Integrating mechanical sensor readouts into organ-on-a-chip platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1060895. [PMID: 36588933 PMCID: PMC9800895 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1060895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-a-chip have emerged as next-generation tissue engineered models to accurately capture realistic human tissue behaviour, thereby addressing many of the challenges associated with using animal models in research. Mechanical features of the culture environment have emerged as being critically important in designing organs-on-a-chip, as they play important roles in both stimulating realistic tissue formation and function, as well as capturing integrative elements of homeostasis, tissue function, and tissue degeneration in response to external insult and injury. Despite the demonstrated impact of incorporating mechanical cues in these models, strategies to measure these mechanical tissue features in microfluidically-compatible formats directly on-chip are relatively limited. In this review, we first describe general microfluidically-compatible Organs-on-a-chip sensing strategies, and categorize these advances based on the specific advantages of incorporating them on-chip. We then consider foundational and recent advances in mechanical analysis techniques spanning cellular to tissue length scales; and discuss their integration into Organs-on-a-chips for more effective drug screening, disease modeling, and characterization of biological dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christopher Moraes
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Christopher Moraes,
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3
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Li Y, Wong IY, Guo M. Reciprocity of Cell Mechanics with Extracellular Stimuli: Emerging Opportunities for Translational Medicine. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107305. [PMID: 35319155 PMCID: PMC9463119 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Human cells encounter dynamic mechanical cues in healthy and diseased tissues, which regulate their molecular and biophysical phenotype, including intracellular mechanics as well as force generation. Recent developments in bio/nanomaterials and microfluidics permit exquisitely sensitive measurements of cell mechanics, as well as spatiotemporal control over external mechanical stimuli to regulate cell behavior. In this review, the mechanobiology of cells interacting bidirectionally with their surrounding microenvironment, and the potential relevance for translational medicine are considered. Key fundamental concepts underlying the mechanics of living cells as well as the extracelluar matrix are first introduced. Then the authors consider case studies based on 1) microfluidic measurements of nonadherent cell deformability, 2) cell migration on micro/nano-topographies, 3) traction measurements of cells in three-dimensional (3D) matrix, 4) mechanical programming of organoid morphogenesis, as well as 5) active mechanical stimuli for potential therapeutics. These examples highlight the promise of disease diagnosis using mechanical measurements, a systems-level understanding linking molecular with biophysical phenotype, as well as therapies based on mechanical perturbations. This review concludes with a critical discussion of these emerging technologies and future directions at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Ian Y Wong
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University, 184 Hope St Box D, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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4
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Lin X, Su J, Zhou S. Microfluidic chip of concentration gradient and fluid shear stress on a single cell level. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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5
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Bai H, Yang J, Meng S, Liu C. Oral Microbiota-Driven Cell Migration in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:864479. [PMID: 35573798 PMCID: PMC9103474 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.864479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity harbors approximately 1,000 microbial species, and both pathogenic and commensal strains are involved in the development of carcinogenesis by stimulating chronic inflammation, affecting cell proliferation, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, some substances produced by oral bacteria can also act in a carcinogenic manner. The link between oral microbiota and chronic inflammation as well as cell proliferation has been well established. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated the association of the oral microbiota with cell migration, which is crucial in regulating devastating diseases such as cancer. For instance, increased cell migration induced the spread of highly malignant cancer cells. Due to advanced technologies, the mechanistic understanding of cell migration in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis is undergoing rapid progress. Thus, this review addressed the complexities of cell migration in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis. We also integrate recent findings on the molecular mechanisms by which the oral microbiota regulates cell migration, with emphasis on the effect of the oral microbiota on adhesion, polarization, and guidance. Finally, we also highlight critical techniques, such as intravital microscopy and superresolution microscopy, for studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontics, West China School & Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China School & Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontics, West China School & Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Shu Meng, ; Chengcheng Liu,
| | - Chengcheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontics, West China School & Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Shu Meng, ; Chengcheng Liu,
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Zhao X, Ou G, Lei M, Zhang Y, Li L, Ge A, Wang Y, Li Y, Liu BF. Rapid generation of hybrid biochemical/mechanical cues in heterogeneous droplets for high-throughput screening of cellular responses. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2691-2701. [PMID: 34165109 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00209k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cells in their native microenvironment are subjected to varying combinations of biochemical cues and mechanical cues in a wide range. Although many signaling pathways have been found to be responsive for extracellular cues, little is known about how biochemical cues crosstalk with mechanical cues in a complex microenvironment. Here, we introduced heterogeneous droplets on a microchip, which were rapidly assembled by combining wettability-patterned microchip and programmed droplet manipulations, for a high-throughput cell screening of the varying combinations of biochemical cues and mechanical cues. This platform constructed a heterogeneous droplet/microgel array with orthogonal gradual chemicals and materials, which was further applied to analyze the cellular Wnt/β-catenin signaling in response to varying combinations of Wnt ligands and substrate stiffness. Thus, this device provides a powerful multiplexed bioassay platform for drug development, tissue engineering, and stem cell screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhao
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Gaozhi Ou
- School of Sports, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mengcheng Lei
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518100, China
| | - Lina Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Anle Ge
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yachao Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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Park SY, Jang H, Kim SY, Kim D, Park Y, Kee SH. Expression of E-Cadherin in Epithelial Cancer Cells Increases Cell Motility and Directionality through the Localization of ZO-1 during Collective Cell Migration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8050065. [PMID: 34064908 PMCID: PMC8151941 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8050065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration of epithelial tumor cells is one of the important factors for elucidating cancer metastasis and developing novel drugs for cancer treatment. Especially, new roles of E-cadherin in cancer migration and metastasis, beyond the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, have recently been unveiled. Here, we quantitatively examined cell motility using micropatterned free edge migration model with E-cadherin re-expressing EC96 cells derived from adenocarcinoma gastric (AGS) cell line. EC96 cells showed increased migration features such as the expansion of cell islands and straightforward movement compared to AGS cells. The function of tight junction proteins known to E-cadherin expression were evaluated for cell migration by knockdown using sh-RNA. Cell migration and straight movement of EC96 cells were reduced by knockdown of ZO-1 and claudin-7, to a lesser degree. Analysis of the migratory activity of boundary cells and inner cells shows that EC96 cell migration was primarily conducted by boundary cells, similar to leader cells in collective migration. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that tight junctions (TJs) of EC96 cells might play important roles in intracellular communication among boundary cells. ZO-1 is localized to the base of protruding lamellipodia and cell contact sites at the rear of cells, indicating that ZO-1 might be important for the interaction between traction and tensile forces. Overall, dynamic regulation of E-cadherin expression and localization by interaction with ZO-1 protein is one of the targets for elucidating the mechanism of collective migration of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yi Park
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (S.-Y.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Hwanseok Jang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; or
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (S.-Y.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Dasarang Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (S.-Y.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Yongdoo Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; or
- Correspondence: (Y.P.); (S.-H.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2286-1460 (Y.P.); +82-2-2286-1165 (S.-H.K.)
| | - Sun-Ho Kee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (S.-Y.K.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: (Y.P.); (S.-H.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2286-1460 (Y.P.); +82-2-2286-1165 (S.-H.K.)
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Study on the Expansion Dynamics of MDCK Epithelium by Interstitial Flow Using a Traction Force-Measurable Microfluidic Chip. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14040935. [PMID: 33669345 PMCID: PMC7920282 DOI: 10.3390/ma14040935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The movement of collective cells is affected through changes in physical interactions of cells in response to external mechanical stimuli, including fluid flow. Most tissues are affected by fluid flow at the interstitial level, but few studies have investigated the physical effects in collective cells affected by a low flow rate. In this study, collective cell migration of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells was investigated under static or interstitial flow (0, 0.1, and 1 μL/min) using a traction microfluidic device. The optimization of calculation of cellular traction forces was first achieved by changing interrogation window size from the fluorescent bead images. Migration analysis of cell collectives patterned with a 700 μm circular shape reveals that cells under the slow flow (0.1 and 1 μL/min) showed the inhibitory migration by decreasing cell island size and cellular speed compared to that of static condition. Analysis of cellular forces shows that level of traction forces was lower in the slow flow condition (~20 Pa) compared to that of static condition (~50 Pa). Interestingly, the standard deviation of traction force of cells was dramatically decreased as the flow rate increased from 0 to 1 μL/min, which indicates that flow affects the distribution of cellular traction forces among cell collectives. Cellular tension was increased by 50% in the cells under the fluid flow rate of 1 μL/min. Treatment of calcium blocker increased the migratory speed of cells under the flow condition, whereas there is little change of cellular forces. In conclusion, it has been shown that the interstitial flow inhibited the collective movement of epithelial cells by decreasing and re-distributing cellular forces. These findings provide insights into the study of the effect of interstitial flow on cellular behavior, such as development, regeneration, and morphogenesis.
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Pradhan S, Banda OA, Farino CJ, Sperduto JL, Keller KA, Taitano R, Slater JH. Biofabrication Strategies and Engineered In Vitro Systems for Vascular Mechanobiology. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901255. [PMID: 32100473 PMCID: PMC8579513 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system is integral for maintaining organ-specific functions and homeostasis. Dysregulation in vascular architecture and function can lead to various chronic or acute disorders. Investigation of the role of the vascular system in health and disease has been accelerated through the development of tissue-engineered constructs and microphysiological on-chip platforms. These in vitro systems permit studies of biochemical regulation of vascular networks and parenchymal tissue and provide mechanistic insights into the biophysical and hemodynamic forces acting in organ-specific niches. Detailed understanding of these forces and the mechanotransductory pathways involved is necessary to develop preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting the vascular system. This review describes vascular structure and function, the role of hemodynamic forces in maintaining vascular homeostasis, and measurement approaches for cell and tissue level mechanical properties influencing vascular phenomena. State-of-the-art techniques for fabricating in vitro microvascular systems, with varying degrees of biological and engineering complexity, are summarized. Finally, the role of vascular mechanobiology in organ-specific niches and pathophysiological states, and efforts to recapitulate these events using in vitro microphysiological systems, are explored. It is hoped that this review will help readers appreciate the important, but understudied, role of vascular-parenchymal mechanotransduction in health and disease toward developing mechanotherapeutics for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Pradhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Omar A. Banda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Cindy J. Farino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - John L. Sperduto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Keely A. Keller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Ryan Taitano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - John H. Slater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, USA
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Jang H, Kim J, Shin JH, Fredberg JJ, Park CY, Park Y. Traction Microscopy Integrated with Microfluidics for Chemotactic Collective Migration. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31657799 DOI: 10.3791/60415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells change migration patterns in response to chemical stimuli, including the gradients of the stimuli. Cellular migration in the direction of a chemical gradient, known as chemotaxis, plays an important role in development, the immune response, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. While chemotaxis modulates the migration of single cells as well as collections of cells in vivo, in vitro research focuses on single-cell chemotaxis, partly due to the lack of the proper experimental tools. To fill that gap, described here is a unique experimental system that combines microfluidics and micropatterning to demonstrate the effects of chemical gradients on collective cell migration. Furthermore, traction microscopy and monolayer stress microscopy are incorporated into the system to characterize changes in cellular force on the substrate as well as between neighboring cells. As proof-of-concept, the migration of micropatterned circular islands of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells is tested under a gradient of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a known scattering factor. It is found that cells located near the higher concentration of HGF migrate faster than those on the opposite side within a cell island. Within the same island, cellular traction is similar on both sides, but intercellular stress is much lower on the side of higher HGF concentration. This novel experimental system can provide new opportunities to studying the mechanics of chemotactic migration by cellular collectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer H Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
| | - Jeffrey J Fredberg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Chan Young Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health;
| | - Yongdoo Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University;
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