Topographic cell instructive patterns to control cell adhesion, polarization and migration

Abstract

Topographic patterns are known to affect cellular processes such as adhesion, migration and differentiation. However, the optimal way to deliver topographic signals to provide cells with precise instructions has not been defined yet. In this work, we hypothesize that topographic patterns may be able to control the sensing and adhesion machinery of cells when their interval features are tuned on the characteristic lengths of filopodial probing and focal adhesions (FAs). Features separated by distance beyond the length of filopodia cannot be readily perceived; therefore, the formation of new adhesions is discouraged. If, however, topographic features are separated by a distance within the reach of filopodia extension, cells can establish contact between adjacent topographic islands. In the latter case, cell adhesion and polarization rely upon the growth of FAs occurring on a specific length scale that depends on the chemical properties of the surface. Topographic patterns and chemical properties may interfere with the growth of FAs, thus making adhesions unstable. To test this hypothesis, we fabricated different micropatterned surfaces displaying feature dimensions and adhesive properties able to interfere with the filopodial sensing and the adhesion maturation, selectively. Our data demonstrate that it is possible to exert a potent control on cell adhesion, elongation and migration by tuning topographic features' dimensions and surface chemistry.

Reversible Holographic Patterns on Azopolymers for Guiding Cell Adhesion and Orientation

“…Regarding orientation, cells were aligned in the same direction of the underlying patterns on 2.5 and 5.5 µm linear gratings, while they were randomly oriented on 2.5×2.5 µm grid and flat polymer (Figure 3A). Our results are consistent with other reports that emphasize the role of FA assembly and orientation on cell shape and elongation 22,23,32. We therefore analyzed the morphological features of FAs on the different topographies and on the flat substrate.…”

“…[18][19][20] However, studies related on dynamic pattern writing/erasing with living cells are lacking. Based on our previous experience on cell response to static micro-and nanoscale patterns, [21][22][23] we explored the possibility of using light sensitive substrates in order to move toward the development of surfaces on which patterned signals can be manipulated dynamically.…”

A systematic study of mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of AZ31B Mg alloy after ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification

“…These patterns are beneficial to the adhesion, migration and even differentiation of cells, e.g. preosteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts and osteoblasts [43][44][45]. Compared with traditional SPD methods such as ECAP, ECAE and SMAT, UNSM could be used to process samples with complexed shapes and achieve good surface finishing due to the easily controllable processing parameters.…”

Evaluation of the Topographical Influence on the Cellular Behavior of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

“…Micro- and nano-topography influence on cell-matrix interaction such as focal adhesion (FA) formation was demonstrated by various studies including the work of our group [48,54,55] . The cell sensing machinery is potentially tuned to the characteristic lengths of FA of vascular endothelial cells as previously described [56] . Interestingly, in this study, even the quantity of collagen I adsorbed on the various patterns was not significantly different, the topographies and the potential differences in the conformation of ECM protein may affect the FA formation and modulate cell behaviors.…”