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Quantification of Cell-Substrate Adhesion Area and Cell Shape Distributions in MCF7 Cell Monolayers
Published on: June 24, 2020
Quantitative morphological signatures define local signaling networks regulating cell morphology
Chris Bakal1, John Aach, George Church
1Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 26, 2007
Summary
Researchers developed quantitative morphological profiling to understand cell shape regulation. This systems-level approach identified local signaling networks controlling cell protrusion, adhesion, and tension.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Systems Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Classical genetic and biochemical methods have identified numerous proteins involved in cell shape dynamics.
- A systems-level understanding of signaling networks regulating cell morphology is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply quantitative morphological profiling for systematic gene function investigation in cell morphology regulation.
- To gain a systems-level understanding of signaling networks governing cell shape.
Main Methods:
- Developed quantitative morphological profiling methods.
- Systematically investigated the role of individual genes in cell morphology regulation.
- Analyzed a compendium of quantitative morphological signatures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a fast, robust, and cost-efficient method for morphological profiling.
- Identified local signaling networks involved in cell morphology.
- Characterized networks regulating cell protrusion, adhesion, and tension.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative morphological profiling provides a powerful systems-level approach to study cell morphology.
- Local signaling networks play a crucial role in regulating fundamental cell shape dynamics like protrusion, adhesion, and tension.
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