A novel 2.5D culture platform to investigate the role of stiffness gradients on adhesion-independent cell migration.

ABSTRACT: Current studies investigating the role of biophysical cues on cell migration focus on the use of culture platforms with static material parameters. However, migrating cells in vivo often encounter spatial variations in extracellular matrix stiffness. To better understand the effects of stiffness gradients on cell migration, we developed a 2.5D cell culture platform where cells are sandwiched between stiff tissue culture plastic and soft alginate hydrogel. Under these conditions, we observed migration of cells from the underlying stiff substrate into the alginate matrix. Observation of migration into alginate in the presence of integrin inhibition as well as qualitative microscopic analyses suggested an adhesion-independent cell migration mode. Observed migration was dependent on alginate m

SUBMITTER: Pebworth MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4195729 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature