Quasi-periodic migration of single cells on short microlanes

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Cell migration on microlanes represents a suitable and simple platform for the exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cytoskeleton dynamics. Here, we report on the quasi-periodic movement of cells confined in stripe-shaped microlanes. We observe persistent polarized cell shapes and directed pole-to-pole motion within the microlanes. Cells depolarize at one end of a given microlane, followed by delayed repolarization towards the opposite end. We analyze cell motility via the spatial velocity distribution, the velocity frequency spectrum and the reversal time as a measure for depolarization and spontaneous repolarization of cells at the microlane ends. The frequent encounters of a boundary in the stripe geometry provides a robust framework for quantitative investigations of the cytoskeleton protrusion and repolarization dynamics. In a first advance to rigorously test physical models of cell migration, we find that the statistics of the cell migration is recapitulated by a Cellular Potts model with a minimal description of cytoskeleton dynamics. Using LifeAct-GFP transfected cells and microlanes with differently shaped ends, we show that the local deformation of the leading cell edge in response to the tip geometry can locally either amplify or quench actin polymerization, while leaving the average reversal times unaffected.</jats:p>

Mesenchymal cell migration on one-dimensional micropatterns

“…In particular, motion of mesenchymal migration is restricted by an adhesive pattern, as shown in Figure 1A. Adhesive patterns are typically functionalized with an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein such as fibronectin or collagen while the space in between patterns is blocked using cell-repellent block-copolymers such as poly(L-lysine) grafted poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL PEG) (Schreiber et al, 2016;Schuster et al, 2016;Ljepoja et al, 2019;Zhou et al, 2020;Monzo et al, 2021;Kim et al, 2023). The width of the 1D microlanes is a critical parameter and determines the mode of migration (Schreiber et al, 2016;Ljepoja et al, 2019).…”

“…A very similar effect can be obtained with non-secreting cells by the lane length. Cells turn around when they reach the end of short lanes (Zhou et al, 2020).…”