Substrate resistance to traction forces controls fibroblast polarization

• Verfasst von: Missirlis, Dimitris [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Haraszti, Tamás [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Heckmann, Lara [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Spatz, Joachim P. [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: Substrate resistance to traction forces controls fibroblast polarization
• Verf.angabe: Dimitris Missirlis, Tamás Haraszti, Lara Heckmann, and Joachim P. Spatz
• E-Jahr: 2020
• Jahr: 18 November 2020
• Umfang: 15 S.
• Fussnoten: Gesehen am 09.02.2022
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Biophysical journal
• Ort Quelle: Cambridge, Mass. : Cell Press, 1960
• Jahr Quelle: 2020
• Band/Heft Quelle: 119(2020), 12, Seite 2558-2572
• ISSN Quelle: 1542-0086
• DOI: doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2020.10.043
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• K10plus-PPN: 1788877314

Abstract

The mechanics of fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix regulate cell physiology in a number of diseases, prompting efforts to elucidate cell mechanosensing mechanisms at the molecular and cellular scale. Here, the use of fibronectin-functionalized silicone elastomers that exhibit considerable frequency dependence in viscoelastic properties unveiled the presence of two cellular processes that respond discreetly to substrate mechanical properties. Weakly cross-linked elastomers supported efficient focal adhesion maturation and fibroblast spreading because of an apparent stiff surface layer. However, they did not enable cytoskeletal and fibroblast polarization; elastomers with high cross-linking and low deformability were required for polarization. Our results suggest as an underlying reason for this behavior the inability of soft elastomer substrates to resist traction forces rather than a lack of sufficient traction force generation. Accordingly, mild inhibition of actomyosin contractility rescued fibroblast polarization even on the softer elastomers. Our findings demonstrate differential dependence of substrate physical properties on distinct mechanosensitive processes and provide a premise to reconcile previously proposed local and global models of cell mechanosensing.