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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

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The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
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In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
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Viscosity01:17

Viscosity

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When water is poured into a glass, it falls freely and quickly, whereas if honey or maple syrup is poured over a pancake, it flows slowly and sticks to the surface of the container. This difference in the flow of different kinds of liquids arises due to the fluid friction between the liquid layers and the liquid and the surrounding material. This property of fluids is called fluid viscosity. In this example, water has a lower viscosity than honey and maple syrup.
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Surface Tension
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Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
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Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
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Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading
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Viscosity regulates cell spreading and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.

Hugh Xiao1,2, Xiangyu Gong1, Seyma Nayir Jordan1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.

The FEBS Journal
|November 12, 2024
PubMed
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Fluid viscosity regulates cell spreading and extracellular matrix remodeling. This study identifies key cellular components involved and reveals how osmolarity interacts with viscosity, offering insights into physiological and pathological conditions.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Cellular mechanobiology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Fluid viscosity and osmolarity are mechanical stimuli cells detect.
  • Abnormal fluidic factors link to diseases like cystic fibrosis, cancer, and heart disease.
  • Viscosity's role in cell locomotion is emerging, but its impact on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if viscosity influences cellular remodeling of ECM.
  • To explore viscosity's effect on cell spreading on ECM-mimetic substrates.
  • To identify molecular regulators of viscosity-induced effects.

Main Methods:

  • Cells cultured on collagen and glass substrates.
  • Pharmacological treatments targeting microtubules, Rac1, Arp2/3, ROCK, and myosin.
  • Assessment of cell spreading, ECM remodeling, and membrane ruffling.

Main Results:

  • Elevated viscosity enhances cell spreading and induces ECM remodeling and densification.
  • Microtubules, Rac1, Arp2/3, ROCK, and myosin are key regulators of viscosity-induced ECM remodeling.
  • Substrate type influences the role of microtubules, Rac1, and Arp2/3 in cell spreading.
  • High osmotic pressure suppresses viscosity-induced cell spreading by inhibiting membrane ruffling.

Conclusions:

  • Viscosity is a significant regulator of ECM remodeling and cell spreading in fibrillar microenvironments.
  • A complex interplay exists between viscosity and osmolarity in regulating cell behavior.
  • Findings provide a basis for future research on viscosity's role in health and disease.