Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
08:02
Analysis of Cell Migration within a Three-dimensional Collagen Matrix
Published on: October 5, 2014
Extracellular matrix molecules regulate endothelial cell migration stimulated by lysophosphatidic acid
T S Panetti1, D F Hannah, C Avraamides
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. tpanetti@temple.edu
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : JTH
|August 31, 2004
Summary
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulates endothelial cell transmigration through specific extracellular matrix proteins like collagen and gelatin, unlike sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). This process involves the protein Hic-5 and adhesion strength, highlighting matrix-dependent cell migration.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Extracellular matrix research
Background:
- Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are bioactive lipids.
- These lipids signal through G-protein coupled receptors.
- They differentially regulate endothelial cell transmigration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if endothelial cell transmigration induced by LPA, but not S1P, is contingent on the extracellular matrix.
- To elucidate the role of extracellular matrix in LPA-mediated endothelial cell migration.
Main Methods:
- Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell (BPAE) transmigration assessed using a modified Boyden chamber.
- Cell locomotion dynamics observed via video microscopy.
- Analysis of cell adhesion strength and focal adhesion protein localization (Hic-5, paxillin).
Main Results:
- LPA promoted BPAE transmigration through gelatin- and collagen-coated filters, but not fibronectin, vitronectin, or fibrinogen.
- Cell adhesion was weaker to collagen and gelatin compared to fibronectin.
- LPA induced distinct cell morphologies and Hic-5 localization differences on various matrix substrates.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cell transmigration stimulated by LPA is dependent on the extracellular matrix composition.
- Hic-5 localization and adhesion strength correlate with LPA-induced transmigration.
- These findings differentiate LPA and S1P signaling in endothelial cell migration.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Cell Migration
Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
01:19Cell Migration
Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
01:31Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...