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Traction forces generated by locomoting keratocytes

J Lee1, M Leonard, T Oliver

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-7090.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|December 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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Researchers developed a new assay to measure cell traction forces in rapidly moving fish keratocytes. They found forces are exerted at cell margins, not the leading edge, aiding locomotion understanding.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biophysics
  • Mechanobiology

Background:

  • Traction forces from moving fibroblasts cause substratum distortions, like wrinkling.
  • These forces were previously thought to drive cell movement, but undetectable in fast-moving cells like leukocytes.
  • Previous methods failed to detect traction forces in rapidly moving cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel assay for detecting traction forces in rapidly locomoting cells.
  • To investigate the pattern and magnitude of traction forces exerted by fish keratocytes.
  • To correlate traction force patterns with keratocyte locomotion mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a new assay using a flexible elastic substratum with embedded beads.
  • Measured two-dimensional displacements of beads to detect traction forces.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analyzed force generation in rapidly moving fish keratocytes.

    • Main Results:

    • Traction forces were not detected at the rapidly extending front edge of keratocytes.
    • Largest traction forces were exerted perpendicular to the cell's lateral margins.
    • Maximum traction forces were estimated at approximately 2 x 10^-8 N.

    Conclusions:

    • The study reveals a novel pattern of traction force generation in rapidly moving keratocytes.
    • Traction forces are primarily exerted laterally, not at the leading edge, for locomotion.
    • Findings provide insights into lamellar contractility and cell-substratum interactions during cell migration.