title: Geometrical constraints and physical crowding direct collective migration of fibroblasts.
abstract: Migrating cells constantly interact with their immediate microenvironment and neighbors. Although studies on single cell migration offer us insights into the molecular and biochemical signaling pathways, they cannot predict the influence of cell crowding and geometrical cues. Using microfabrication techniques, we examine the influence of cell density and geometrical constraints on migrating fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were allowed to migrate on fibronectin strips of different widths. Under such conditions, cells experience various physical guidance cues including boundary effect, confinement and contact inhibition from neighboring cells. Fibroblasts migrating along the edge of the fibronectin pattern exhibit spindle-like morphology, reminiscent of migrating cells within confined space and high cell density are associated with increased alignment and higher speed in migrating fibroblasts.
authors.affiliation: NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering; National University of Singapore; Singapore.
authors.forename: Man Chun
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Sri Ram Krishna
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Vedula
authors.forename: Chwee Teck
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Benoît
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ladoux
keywords: 3T3 fibroblasts; cell migration; geometrical constraints; micro-contact printing; particle image velocimetry