Issue 13, 2024

Revelation of adhesive proteins affecting cellular contractility through reference-free traction force microscopy

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the critical role played by cellular contractility associated mechanotransduction in the regulation of cell functions has been revealed. In this case, numerous biomaterials have been chemically or structurally designed to manipulate cell behaviors through the regulation of cellular contractility. In particular, adhesive proteins including fibronectin, poly-L-lysine and collagen type I have been widely applied in various biomaterials to improve cell adhesion. Therefore, clarifying the effects of adhesive proteins on cellular contractility has been valuable for the development of biomaterial design. In this study, reference-free traction force microscopy with a well-organized microdot array was designed and prepared to investigate the relationship between adhesive proteins, cellular contractility, and mechanotransduction. The results showed that fibronectin and collagen type I were able to promote the assembly of focal adhesions and further enhance cellular contraction and YAP activity. In contrast, although poly-L-lysine supported cell spreading and elongation, it was inefficient at inducing cell contractility and activating YAP. Additionally, compared with cellular morphogenesis, cellular contraction was essential for YAP activation.

Graphical abstract: Revelation of adhesive proteins affecting cellular contractility through reference-free traction force microscopy

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 jan 2024
Accepted
28 feb 2024
First published
28 feb 2024

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 3249-3261

Revelation of adhesive proteins affecting cellular contractility through reference-free traction force microscopy

Y. Yang, K. Han, S. Huang, K. Wang, Y. Wang, S. Ding, L. Zhang, M. Zhang, B. Xu, S. Ma, Y. Wang, S. Wu and X. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, 12, 3249 DOI: 10.1039/D4TB00065J

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