Controlled surface topography regulates collective 3D migration by epithelial-mesenchymal composite embryonic tissues

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cell migration is crucial for tissue development, regeneration, and cancer.
• Physical cues, particularly topography, significantly influence cell migration.
• Understanding collective cell migration in 3D environments is vital but underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the collective 3D migration of multicellular tissue explants in response to topographical cues.
• To determine how micropost arrays (MPAs) modulate tissue spreading and cell motility.
• To uncover mechanisms by which 3D topography affects collective cell migration.

Main Methods:

• Microsurgically isolated Xenopus laevis epithelial and mesenchymal tissue explants were used.
• Fabricated micropost arrays (MPAs) were employed to create controlled 3D topographical microenvironments.
• Cell size was modulated using Mitomycin C, and MPA spacing was varied to analyze migration responses.

Main Results:

• Surface topography was found to regulate both collective and individual cell migration within tissue explants.
• Dense MPAs reduced but did not abolish tissue spreading.
• 3D topographical cues were shown to disrupt collective cell migration by altering tissue-scale processes.

Conclusions:

• Surface topography plays a significant role in directing single-cell motility and overall tissue spreading.
• Topographical cues can alter the conversion of single-cell motility into efficient collective movement.
• This research provides insights into how physical microenvironments regulate tissue-scale cell migration.