ENGINEERED FIBRILLAR EXTRACELLULAR MATRICES FOR THE STUDY OF DIRECTED CELL MIGRATION

摘要

The biology of cell adhesion and migration has traditionally been studied on 2D glass or plastic surfaces. While such studies have shed light on the molecular mechanisms governing these processes [1], current knowledge is limited by the dissimilarity between the flat surfaces conventionally employed and the topographically complex extracellular matrix (ECM) cells routinely navigate within the body. On ECM-coated flat surfaces, cells are presented with an unlimited expanse of adhesive ligand and can spread and migrate freely. Conversely, the availability of ligand in vivo is generally restricted to ECM structures, forcing cells to form adhesions in prescribed locations distributed through 3D space depending on the geometry and organization of the surrounding matrix [2].