Quantifying Cell-Matrix Deformations in Three Dimensions

Abstract

In recent years, the importance of mechanical forces in directing cellular function has been recognized as a significant factor in biological and physiological processes. A complete quantification of cell tractions during cell-material interactions can lead to a deeper understanding of the fundamental role these forces play in cell biology. Previous research has contributed significant descriptions of cell-tissue interactions by quantifying cell tractions in two-dimensional environments; however, most physiological processes are three-dimensional in nature. This chapter presents a full-field imaging technique capable of quantitatively measuring cell tractions in all three spatial dimensions, and hence addresses the need of a three-dimensional quantitative imaging technique to gain insight into the fundamental role of physical forces in biological processes. In this chapter we will explain and demonstrate the working principles of the technique and how it can be used to quantify the three-dimensional mechanical interactions of cells and their extracellular matrix by measuring cell-induced displacement and traction fields during the migration of individual fibroblast cells on polyacrylamide gels.