Capturing relevant extracellular matrices for investigating cell migration

Abstract

Much progress in understanding cell migration has been determined by using classic two-dimensional (2D) tissue culture platforms. However, increasingly, it is appreciated that certain properties of cell migration in vivo are not represented by strictly 2D assays. There is much interest in creating relevant three-dimensional (3D) culture environments and engineered platforms to better represent features of the extracellular matrix and stromal microenvironment that are not captured in 2D platforms. Important to this goal is a solid understanding of the features of the extracellular matrix—composition, stiffness, topography, and alignment—in different tissues and disease states and the development of means to capture these features

Mechanical Stimulation of Cells Through Scaffold Design for Tissue Engineering

“…ECM can also be deined as secreted molecules (including grown factors, cytokines and cell adhesion molecules) that are immobilized outside the cell. Macromolecules of ECM are collagen, elastic ibres and proteoglycans; they are mainly responsible for tissue-type speciic extracellular architecture [7,8].…”

“…Basically, proteoglycans are macromolecules covalently associated between polypeptide chains and glycosaminoglycans [8]. They contribute to cellular adhesion through interaction between matrix components and cellular surface [8,9].…”

“…They contribute to cellular adhesion through interaction between matrix components and cellular surface [8,9]. Principal multifunctional glycoproteins include: laminin, ibronectin, tenascins and thrombospondin.…”

“…Principal multifunctional glycoproteins include: laminin, ibronectin, tenascins and thrombospondin. They interact with other molecules, such as integrins, cadherins, immunoglobulins and selectins, and serve as a union between ECM and cytoskeleton [8].…”

“…This matrix provides physical support for cells and participates in establishment and maintenance of diferentiated tissues and organs. Also, it regulates the presence of growth factors and receptors, the level of hydration and pH of the local environment [8,9]. Interactions between cells and the environment (i.e.…”