Rho kinase regulation of fibroblast migratory mechanics in fibrillar collagen matrices

Chengxin Zhou, W. Matthew Petroll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Migration of activated corneal fibroblasts plays an important role in matrix patterning during embryonic development and wound repopulation following injury or refractive surgery. In this study, we investigate the role of Rho kinase in regulating fibroblast migration mechanics, by modifying a previously described nested collagen matrix model to facilitate dynamic imaging of cell-matrix interactions. Human corneal fibroblasts were cultured in nested matrices with media containing either 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS), or 1% FBS plus the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. Time-lapse DIC imaging of cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) movements was performed for up to 72 h. In addition, static confocal imaging was used to assess 3-D cell morphology and local matrix reorganization. In 1% FBS, significant tractional forces were generated during migration, as indicated by inward displacement and reorganization of collagen in front of cells. When Rho kinase was inhibited, cells became more elongated, and extended dendritic processes into the outer matrix. Interestingly, these dendritic cells were still able to generate tractional forces at their leading edge, whereas cell translocation was substantially reduced. Overall, the data suggests that Rho kinase impacts 3-D fibroblast migration by affecting morphology, polarization, and mechanical coordination between the leading and trailing edges of cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)76-83
Number of pages8
JournalCellular and Molecular Bioengineering
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010

Keywords

  • Cell migration
  • Collagen matrix
  • Fibroblast
  • Rho kinase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Modeling and Simulation
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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