Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Meacci G
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5221581 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Molecular biology of the cell 20160427 22
During spreading and migration, the leading edges of cells undergo periodic protrusion-retraction cycles. The functional purpose of these cycles is unclear. Here, using submicrometer polydimethylsiloxane pillars as substrates for cell spreading, we show that periodic edge retractions coincide with peak forces produced by local contractile units (CUs) that assemble and disassemble along the cell edge to test matrix rigidity. We find that, whereas actin rearward flow produces a relatively constant ...[more]