Dresden 2006 – scientific programme

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AKB: Biologische Physik

AKB 25: Cell Mechanics I

AKB 25.9: Talk

Thursday, March 30, 2006, 17:00–17:15, ZEU 260

Quantitative force measurements during cystogenesis — •Jens Ulmer¹, Aldo Ferrari², Ruth Kroschewski², and Joachim Spatz¹ — ¹Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany — ²Institut f. Biochemie, Schafmattstr. 18, ETH-Hoenggerberg, CH-8093 Zuerich

Adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial event in developing multi-cellular organism. It can modulate cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and is mediating epithelial morphogenesis through mechanical interactions between cells and the ECM network. We studied cyst formation of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture connected to a force sensitive surface. Microfabricated PDMS posts, which have a post height dependent spring constant between 0.2-0.04N/m were developed in order to obtained cell exerted forces during cystogenesis. Further on it was shown that anisotropic vicinity can alter cyst morphology from spherical to tubular like structures. With the biomimetic capabilities of the microfabricated arrays it should be possible to provide a more natural environment for epithelial cells, combined with the ability to measure quantitative forces from multicellular structures during development.