Advances in imaging cell–matrix adhesions

Abstract

SummaryAdhesion is fundamental to the survival and function of many different cell types, and regulates basic events such as mitosis, cell survival and migration, in both embryonic and adult organisms. Cell-matrix adhesion also regulates the dynamic interplay between cells and surrounding tissues during processes such as immune cell recruitment, wound healing and cancer cell metastasis. The study of cell adhesion has gained momentum in recent years, in large part because of the emergence of imaging techniques that have facilitated detailed analysis of the molecular composition and dynamics of the structures involved. In this Commentary, we discuss the recent application of different imaging techniques to study cell-matrix adhesions, emphasising common strategies used for the analysis of adhesion dynamics both in cells in culture and in whole organisms.

Adhesion kinetics of human primary monocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages: Dynamic cell adhesion measurements with a label-free optical biosensor and their comparison with end-point assays

“…When it comes to measuring the kinetics of cell adhesion, nor the techniques based on direct measurements of the adhesion force (e.g., variants of atomic force microscopy, 31,32 automated micropipette, 24 and traction force microscopy 33,34 ), neither optical microscopy for the visualization of cells or their adhesion-associated molecular structures (e.g., wide-field, confocal, total internal reflection microscopies 35 ) can compete with cell-based label-free biosensors which enable the high temporal-resolution monitoring of the activity of surface-adhered cells. Evanescent field-based optical biosensors, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), 36,37 optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS), 28,[38][39][40] photonic crystal biosensors, 41 grating coupling interferometry, 42,43 and resonant waveguide grating (commonly recognized as Epic) 44,45 biosensors, are considered to be especially straightforward means to monitor surface adhesion.…”

Integrin α7β1 is a redox-regulated target of hydrogen peroxide in vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion

“…Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/freeradbiomed appropriate integrin ligands are sensed, signals are conveyed into the cells, resulting in recruitment of further integrins to these sites and in the assembly of cytoskeletal and signaling molecules into focal contacts, which consequently mature into focal adhesions [12,13]. Application of forces maintains their existence, whereas other signaling molecules, mainly of the GTPase family, induce further cytoskeleton rearrangement and lead to membrane ruffles and lamellipodia.…”

Rhodocetin-αβ–induced Neuropilin-1–cMet Association Triggers Restructuring of Matrix Contacts in Endothelial Cells

“…24 Thus, focal adhesions are established that serve as docking sites for actin stress fibers bearing tensile forces. 3 In this study, we provide strong evidence for an essential role of the complex of Nrp1 with cMet in regulating the structure of integrin-containing cell-matrix contacts, which are of vital importance for the endothelial lining of blood vessels. We demonstrate that RCαβ binds to Nrp1, a hitherto unknown target of snake venom components, thereby inducing the complex formation of Nrp1 with cMet.…”

“…1 On binding to extracellular matrix proteins, integrins trigger the formation of distinct supramolecular adhesome organelles: streak-like force-transmitting focal adhesions and spot-like focal contacts in nascent lamellipodia. 2,3 Integrin-targeting toxins belong to the 2 protein families of disintegrins and C-type lectin-like proteins. The latter specifically recognize the collagen-binding α2β1 integrin on ECs and platelets.…”