Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) migration plays a critical role in vascular remodeling. Here we investigated the interactions between haptotaxis (induced by extracellular matrix gradient) and mechanotaxis (induced by mechanical forces) during EC migration. A micropatterning technique was used to generate step changes of collagen surface density. Due to haptotaxis, ECs developed focal adhesions and migrated into the area with higher surface density of collagen. Different levels of fluid shear stress were applied on ECs in the direction perpendicular to collagen strips. Shear stress at 2 dyn/cm 2 did not affect haptotaxis, while shear stress at 3 dyn/cm 2 or higher was sufficient to drive the migration of most ECs in the flow direction and against haptotaxis. Immunostaining revealed the increase of focal adhesions and lamellipodial protrusion in the direction of flow. These results suggest that shear stress beyond a certain threshold can be a predominant factor to determine the direction of EC migration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
