Substrate mechanics and cell spreading.
Cell spreading and cell locomotion arise from forces exerted by actin microfilaments upon the substratum. Using modified protein films at fluorocarbon oil--water interfaces as substrates, we have measured some minimal mechanical properties required of these films to support cell spreading forces in vitro. For murine 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, complete cell spreading was obtained when the films exceeded surface shear moduli and surface fracture points of 15 and 5 dyne/cm, respectively. The human WI-38 fibroblast required more robust films than did its transformed counterpart (WI-38/VA 13) in order to achieve equivalent spreading. These results are of significance in understanding the metastatic capabilities of cancer cells.
Keese
C R
CR
School of Science, Department of Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180-3590.
Giaever
I
I
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009821:Oils; D011506:Proteins; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water
D000199:Actins; D009821:Oils; D011506:Proteins; D014867:Water