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Related Experiment Videos

Dendritic fibroblasts in three-dimensional collagen matrices.

Frederick Grinnell1, Chin-Han Ho, Elisa Tamariz

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas 75390-9039, USA. frederick.grinnell@utsouthwestern.edu

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|February 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Human fibroblasts in 3D collagen form dynamic, dendritic networks. These networks, resembling growth cones, facilitate cell exploration and metabolic coupling within the extracellular matrix.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • Fibroblast motility is crucial for multicellular organism development and function.
  • Previous studies primarily examined fibroblast motility on 2D surfaces, not in their native 3D extracellular matrix.
  • Understanding in situ cell behavior is vital for accurate biological modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the morphology and motility of human fibroblasts within a 3D floating collagen matrix.
  • To characterize the structure and dynamics of fibroblast extensions in a native-like environment.
  • To explore the role of specific growth factors and signaling pathways in modulating fibroblast network formation and retraction.

Main Methods:

  • Human fibroblasts were embedded in floating collagen matrices at low cell density.

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  • Cell morphology and extension dynamics were observed using microscopy.
  • The effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on cell networks were assessed.
  • The involvement of Rho and Rho kinase pathways in LPA-induced retraction was investigated.
  • Intercellular metabolic coupling was evaluated.

    • Main Results:

    • Fibroblasts formed and retracted a dendritic network of extensions within the 3D matrix.
    • These extensions exhibited microtubule cores and actin-rich tips, similar to neuronal growth cones.
    • Platelet-derived growth factor stimulated the formation of this dendritic network.
    • Lysophosphatidic acid induced network retraction in a Rho and Rho kinase-dependent manner.
    • The dendritic network facilitated metabolic coupling between fibroblasts.

    Conclusions:

    • Fibroblasts in 3D matrices form complex, dynamic dendritic networks.
    • These networks resemble growth cones and suggest a mechanism for exploring and interconnecting in 3D space.
    • Growth factors and signaling pathways regulate fibroblast network dynamics, impacting tissue behavior.
    • The observed dendritic network supports intercellular communication and metabolic coupling.