Investigating filopodia sensing using arrays of defined nano-pits down to 35 nm diameter in size

Dalby, M.J. , Gadegaard, N. , Riehle, M.O. , Wilkinson, C.D.W. and Curtis, A.S.G. (2004) Investigating filopodia sensing using arrays of defined nano-pits down to 35 nm diameter in size. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 36(10), pp. 2005-2015. (doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2004.03.001)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2004.03.001

Abstract

In order for cells to react to topography, they must be able to sense shape. When considering nano-topography, these shapes are much smaller than the cell, but still strong responses to nano-topography have been seen. Filopodia, or microspikes, presented by cells at their leading edges are thought to be involved in gathering of special information. In order to investigate this, and to develop an understanding of what size of feature can be sensed by cells, morphological observation (electron and fluorescent microscopy) of fibroblasts reacting to nano-pits with 35, 75 and 120 nm diameters has been used in this study. The nano-pits are especially interesting because unlike many of the nanofeatures cited in the literature, they have no height for the cells to react to. The results showed that cell filopodia, and retraction fibres, interacted with all pit sizes, although direct interaction was hard to image on the 35 nm pits. This suggests that cells are extremely sensitive to their nanoevironment and that should be taken in to consideration when designing next-generation tissue engineering materials. We suggest that this may occur through nanocontact guidance as filopodia are moved over the pits.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Nano-topography, filopodia, cell sensing, nanobioscience.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Curtis, Professor Adam and Gadegaard, Professor Nikolaj and Dalby, Professor Matthew and Riehle, Dr Mathis
Authors: Dalby, M.J., Gadegaard, N., Riehle, M.O., Wilkinson, C.D.W., and Curtis, A.S.G.
Subjects:Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
University Centres > Glasgow Materials Research Initiative
Journal Name:International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
ISSN:1357-2725

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