Genomic and Morphological Analysis of Human Neuroblastoma Cell Growth in Three-Dimensional Matrices

摘要

In a complex 3D environment, changes in gene expression and physical matrix parameters were each correlated with morphological differences in cultured neurons. The physical environment of the cells played an important role in local structural changes as seen by the marked differences in neurite length. In 3D cultures, differences in neurite growth between two types of 3D matrices reflected differences in physical properties of the matrices, but reflected no corresponding changes in gene expression. Interestingly, genes that regulate cell spreading through filopodial dynamics were differentially regulated in 3D independent of the chemical composition of the matrix. These results suggest that while gene expression in 3D environments plays an important role in regulating cell spreading, the physical properties of the specific 3D matrix have a strong influence on neurite growth.