Cell Form and Function: Interpreting and Controlling the Shape of Adherent Cells

Ashok Prasad1, Elaheh Alizadeh2

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1370, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1370, USA; https://www.engr.colostate.edu/∼ashokp/.

Trends in Biotechnology
|October 15, 2018
PubMed
Summary

This review explores how cell shape relates to cellular function and how this relationship can be used in biomedical applications. The authors suggest that cell morphology is a reliable indicator of cellular state and behavior. They propose that manipulating cell shape through substrate engineering could be a valuable tool in modulating cell function for human health. The review summarizes current understanding and recent progress in this area. The authors suggest that this approach may lead to new strategies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

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