title: Topographic cell instructive patterns to control cell adhesion, polarization and migration.
abstract: Topographic patterns are known to affect cellular processes such as adhesion, migration and differentiation. However, the optimal way to deliver topographic signals to provide cells with precise instructions has not been defined yet. In this work, we hypothesize that topographic patterns may be able to control the sensing and adhesion machinery of cells when their interval features are tuned on the characteristic lengths of filopodial probing and focal adhesions (FAs). Features separated by distance beyond the length of filopodia cannot be readily perceived; therefore, the formation of new adhesions is discouraged. If, however, topographic features are separated by a distance within the reach of filopodia extension, cells can establish contact between adjacent topographic islands. In the latter case, cell adhesion and polarization rely upon the growth of FAs occurring on a specific length scale that depends on the chemical properties of the surface. Topographic patterns and chemical properties may interfere with the growth of FAs, thus making adhesions unstable. To test this hypothesis, we fabricated different micropatterned surfaces displaying feature dimensions and adhesive properties able to interfere with the filopodial sensing and the adhesion maturation, selectively. Our data demonstrate that it is possible to exert a potent control on cell adhesion, elongation and migration by tuning topographic features' dimensions and surface chemistry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biomaterials, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ventre
authors.affiliation: Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo Fortunato
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Natale
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biomaterials, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rianna
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biomaterials, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy nettipa@unina.it.
authors.forename: Paolo Antonio
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Netti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000502:physiology*; D022001:Focal Adhesions / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D011554:Pseudopodia / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: cell adhesion; cell migration; focal adhesions; topographic patterns