Nested collagen matrices: a new model to study migration of human fibroblast populations in three dimensions.
Fibroblast-3D collagen matrix culture provides a model system to analyze cell physiology under conditions that more closely resemble tissue than conventional 2D cell culture. Previous work has focused primarily on remodeling and contraction of collagen matrices by fibroblasts, and there has been little research on migration of cell populations within the matrix. Here, we introduce a nested collagen matrix model to analyze migration of fibroblasts in 3D collagen matrices. Nested collagen matrices were prepared by embedding contracted cell-containing matrices (also called dermal equivalents) inside cell-free matrices; migration occurred from the former to the latter. Control experiments with human dermal fragments in place of dermal equivalents confirmed the reliability of the model. Human fibroblast migration in nested collagen matrices occurred after a lag phase of 8-16 h, and cells migrating out of the inner matrices were bipolar with leading dendritic extensions. Migration was myosin II, Rho kinase and metalloproteinase-dependent but did not require plasma fibronectin. Platelet-derived growth factor but not lysophosphatidic acid or serum stimulated cell migration, although all three of these physiological agonists promote matrix remodeling and contraction. The nested collagen matrix model is a relatively easy, rapid and quantitative method to measure migration of cell populations. Our studies using this model demonstrate important differences between regulation of fibroblast migration and remodeling in collagen matrices.
Grinnell
Frederick
F
Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA. frederick.grinell@utsouthwestern.edu
Rocha
Lenaldo B
LB
Iucu
Cristina
C
Rhee
Sangmyung
S
Jiang
Hongmei
H
D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008246:Lysophospholipids / Q000494:pharmacology; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D024462:Myosin Type II / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism
D005353:Fibronectins; D008246:Lysophospholipids; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D003094:Collagen; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D024462:Myosin Type II; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins