SKM 2023 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 31: Cell Mechanics III

BP 31.5: Talk

Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:15–11:30, BAR 0106

Dynamics of confined cell migration in 3D micro-dumbbells — •Stefan Stöberl¹, Johannes Flommersfeld², Maximilian M. Kreft¹, Chase P. Broedersz², and Joachim O. Rädler¹ — ¹Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany — ²Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Cell migration plays a key role in physiological processes such as wound healing, cancer metastasis and immune response. In previous work we have studied the non-linear dynamics of single cells migrating between two surface-patterned adhesion sites guided by a bridging line. Here, we study the dynamics of MDA-MB-231 cells captured in three dimensional (3D) dumbbell-like micro cavities. The structures formed by photolithography of PEG-Norbornene hydrogels provide a soft and hence deformable frame, while cells attach and migrate on a fibronectin-coated bottom. We find that the dwell time of cells before transitioning is retarded when the width of the dumbbell constriction is narrowed below 10 um. In this limit, deformation of the nucleus determines the time course of the repeated stochastic transitions. We measure the forces exerted by the nucleus parallel and perpendicular to the dumbbell channel walls using the displacement field of beads embedded near the 3D constriction. At the same time, the nuclear deformation is followed by confocal 4D imaging revealing an elongation and temporary decrease in nuclear volume during migration through confinement.