Biological & Soft Matter Seminar: Traction force microscopy: what cell-gel mechanical interactions can tell us

Abstract:

Traction force microscopy (TFM) is a method that has been utilized in the last decade to evaluate the forces applied by cells to underlying gels. Cells utilize traction forces to adhere, move, and apply force to their environment, as part of their normal function. Variation in forces between different cell types, following treatment, or following onset of disease and can reveal dynamic structural changes within the cell that may relate to changes in cell function. The mechanical interaction of cells with their environment depends on the cell type, its current activity, and the dimensionality and stiffness of the gel. Using 2-dimensional (2D), elastic polyacrylamide gels, with fluorescent particles embedded under their surface, or 3D collagen gels with dispersed particles, we are able to quantitatively evaluate forces applied by cells. In the current talk, I will explain the TFM method and approach in 2D and in 3D gel systems, providing detailed examples from three different cell types. I will provide examples on (1) invasive cancer cells (in 2D and 3D), showing differences between cancer and benign cells (2) changes in cell-gel interactions when undifferentiated stem cells grow into a 3D embryoid body; and (3) differences between pre-adipose cells and differentiated adipocytes. The experiments highlight quantitative similarities and differences relating to cell function and activity.

Seminar Organizer: Guy Yaacoby