Directional control of lamellipodia extension by constraining cell shape and orienting cell tractional forces

K. I.T. Kevin Parker, A. M.Y. Lepre Brock, Cliff Brangwynne, Robert J. Mannix, Ning Wang, Emanuele Ostuni, Nicholas A. Geisse, Josephine C. Adams, George M. Whitesides, Donald E. Ingber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

386 Scopus citations

Abstract

Directed cell migration is critical for tissue morphogenesis and wound healing, but the mechanism of directional control is poorly understood. Here we show that the direction in which cells extend their leading edge can be controlled by constraining cell shape using micrometer-sized extracellular matrix (ECM) islands. When cultured on square ECM islands in the presence of motility factors, cells preferentially extended lamellipodia, filopodia, and microspikes from their corners. Square cells reoriented their stress fibers and focal adhesions so that tractional forces were concentrated in these corner regions. When cell tension was dissipated, lamellipodia extension ceased. Mechanical interactions between cells and ECM that modulate cytoskeletal tension may therefore play a key role in the control of directional cell motility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1195-1204
Number of pages10
JournalFASEB Journal
Volume16
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology

Keywords

  • Cell tension
  • Focal adhesion
  • Microcontact printing
  • Microspike
  • Migration
  • Motility

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