Cell Shape and Growth Regulation by Micropatterned Surfaces

[421425] Truskey这个项目的研究是为了评估一个假设，即焦点接触的大小和数量调节细胞骨架组织，从而控制细胞的形状和生长。细胞培养和组织工程的一个主要问题是在体外保持形态和功能。本研究将以大鼠肝细胞为研究对象，因为肝细胞在体外很难维持在分化状态，而肝细胞的扩散与细胞复制和蛋白质合成的变化有关。本研究的具体目的是：(1)开发具有固定化肽和糖基的微图案化表面；(2)研究图案尺寸和配体密度对病灶接触、细胞骨架组织、细胞形状和生长的影响；(3)研究病灶接触面积和细胞骨架组织的扰动对肝细胞扩散和功能的影响。＊＊＊

9421425 Truskey This project is on research to evaluate the hypothesis that the size and number of focal contacts regulate cytoskeleton organization which, in turn, controls cell shape and growth. A major problem in cell culture and tissue engineering is retaining morphology and function in vitro. This research will study rat hepatocytes because they are difficult to maintain in a differentiated state in vitro, and spreading has been correlated with changes in cell replication and protein synthesis. The specific aims of this research are to: (1) develop micropatterned surfaces with immobilized peptides and sugar groups; (2) study the effect of pattern dimensions and ligand density upon focal contacts, cytoskeleton organization, cell shape, and growth; and (3) study the effect of perturbations in focal contact area and cytoskeleton organization upon hepatocyte spreading and function. ***