RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A novel method for sensor-based quantification of single/multi-cellular traction dynamics and remodeling in 3D matrices
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2020.09.24.311647
DO 10.1101/2020.09.24.311647
A1 Emon, Bashar
A1 Li, Zhengwei
A1 Joy, Md Saddam Hossain
A1 Doha, Umnia
A1 Kosari, Farhad
A1 Saif, M Taher A
YR 2020
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/09/25/2020.09.24.311647.abstract
AB Cells in vivo generate mechanical forces (traction) on surrounding 3D extra cellular matrix (ECM) and cells. Such traction and biochemical cues may remodel the matrix, e.g. increase stiffness, which in turn influences cell functions and forces. This dynamic reciprocity mediates development and tumorigenesis. Currently, there is no method available to directly quantify single cell traction and matrix remodeling in 3D. Here, we introduce a method to fulfil this long-standing need. We developed a high-resolution microfabricated sensor which hosts a 3D cell-ECM tissue formed by self-assembly. It measures cell forces and tissue-stiffness and can apply mechanical stimulation to the tissue. We measured single and multicellular force dynamics of fibroblasts (3T3), human colon (FET) and lung (A549) cancer cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF05) with 1 nN resolution. Single cells show significant force fluctuations in 3D. FET/CAF co-culture system, mimicking cancer tumor microenvironment, increased tissue stiffness by 3 times within 24 hours.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.