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Integrative Toolkit to Analyze Cellular Signals: Forces, Motion, Morphology, and Fluorescence
Published on: March 5, 2022
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Practical aspects of the cellular force inference toolkit (CellFIT).
Jim H Veldhuis1, David Mashburn2, M Shane Hutson3
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Methods in Cell Biology
|February 3, 2015
Summary
Cellular Force Inference Toolkit (CellFIT) maps forces in cells and tissues noninvasively. This method accurately models cell shape, improving understanding of developmental processes like embryogenesis and wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Understanding cell and tissue movement is crucial for embryogenesis and wound healing.
- Detailed force maps are needed to elucidate these dynamic biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the Cellular Force Inference Toolkit (CellFIT) for noninvasive force mapping in biological tissues.
- To detail the methods and considerations for accurate force inference using CellFIT.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes quasistatic approaches assuming cell shapes arise from interfacial tensions and intracellular pressures.
- Incorporates curvilinear boundaries for improved accuracy and reduced noise sensitivity.
- Employs a software tool for measuring junction angles and edge curvatures, with strategies for handling complex edge shapes.
Main Results:
- CellFIT allows for noninvasive force inference in cell aggregates up to 1000 cells.
- The method's accuracy depends on precise measurement of geometric parameters.
- Errors in analysis primarily affect a few adjacent cells, demonstrating robustness.
Conclusions:
- CellFIT offers a promising technique for mapping forces in biological systems.
- Careful measurement and data selection are key to maximizing CellFIT's utility.
- This toolkit aids in understanding the mechanics of cell and tissue morphogenesis.
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