PreprintArticleVersion 1Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed
Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes
Brock, J.; Erhardt, J.; Eisler, S.A.; Hörning, M. Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-Talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes. Cells2022, 11, 2122.
Brock, J.; Erhardt, J.; Eisler, S.A.; Hörning, M. Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-Talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes. Cells 2022, 11, 2122.
Brock, J.; Erhardt, J.; Eisler, S.A.; Hörning, M. Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-Talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes. Cells2022, 11, 2122.
Brock, J.; Erhardt, J.; Eisler, S.A.; Hörning, M. Optimization of Mechanosensitive Cross-Talk between Matrix Stiffness and Protein Density: Independent Matrix Properties Regulate Spreading Dynamics of Myocytes. Cells 2022, 11, 2122.
Abstract
Cells actively sense differences in topology, matrix elasticity and protein composition of the extracellular microenvironment and adapt their function and morphology. In this study, we focus on the cross-talk between matrix stiffness and protein coating density that regulate morphology and proliferation dynamics of single myocytes. For this, C2C12 myocytes were monitored on L-DOPA functionalized hydrogels of 22 different elasticity and fibronectin density compositions. Static images were recorded and statistically analyzed to determine morphological differences and to identify the optimized extracellular matrix (ECM). Using that information, selected ECMs were used to study the dynamics before and after cell proliferation by statistical comparison of distinct cell states. We observed a fibronectin density independent increase of the projected cell area until 12 kPa. Additionally, changes in the fibronectin density led to an area optimum at about 2.6 μg/cm, which was confirmed by an independent F-actin analysis, revealing a maximum actin filament to cell area ratio of 7.5 %. The proliferation evaluation showed an opposite correlation between cell spreading duration and speed to the matrix elasticity and protein density, which did not affect the cell cycle duration. In summary, we identified an optimized ECM composition, while independent matrix properties regulate distinct cell characteristics.
Biology and Life Sciences, Cell and Developmental Biology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.