Work

Stresses at the Cell-to-Substrate Interface during Locomotion of Fibroblasts

Year: 1999

Type: article

Abstract: Recent technological improvements in the elastic substrate method make it possible to produce spatially resolved measurements of the tractions exerted by single motile cells. In this study we have applied these developments to produce maps of the tractions exerted by 3T3 fibroblasts during steady locomotion. The resulting images have a spatial resolution of approximately 5 micrometers and a maximum intensity of approximately 10(2) kdyn/cm2 (10(4) pN/micrometers2). We find that the propulsive thrust for fibroblast locomotion, approximately 0.2 dyn, is imparted to the substratum within 15 micrometers of the leading edge. These observations demonstrate that the lamellipodium of the fibroblast is able to generate intense traction stress. The cell body and posterior seem to be mechanically passive structures pulled forward entirely by this action.

Source: Biophysical Journal

DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(99)77386-8

Authors: Micah Dembo, Yu-Li Wang

Institutions: Boston University, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000

Funders: National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases