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Directed cell migration towards softer environments.
Aleksi Isomursu1, Keun-Young Park2, Jay Hou3
1Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
Nature Materials
|July 11, 2022
Summary
Cells can migrate towards softer tissues, a phenomenon called negative durotaxis. This movement is driven by seeking optimal stiffness for cell traction, not just increased stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Cell migration is crucial in development, fibrosis, and cancer.
- Durotaxis, or migration towards stiffer environments, is well-documented.
- The ability of cells to migrate towards softer environments (negative durotaxis) is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate directed cell migration towards softer substrates.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of negative durotaxis.
- To explore the role of cellular traction and adhesion in stiffness-guided migration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microfabricated substrates with controlled stiffness gradients.
- Observed and analyzed the migration patterns of U-251MG glioma cells.
- Manipulated actomyosin contractility and talin levels to assess their impact on migration.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated directed migration of glioma cells towards softer regions (negative durotaxis).
- Showed that negative durotaxis is linked to achieving optimal substrate stiffness for maximal cell traction.
- Found that actomyosin contractility and talin, a clutch component, modulate both positive and negative durotaxis.
Conclusions:
- Identified a motor-clutch-based mechanism for context-dependent durotaxis.
- Negative durotaxis is driven by cells seeking optimal, not necessarily minimal, stiffness.
- Cellular contractile and adhesive properties dictate the direction of stiffness-guided migration.
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