Force-exerting perpendicular lateral protrusions in fibroblastic cell contraction

• DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01117-7
• Publication Date: 2020-07-21T10:02:52Z
• Authors: Abinash Padhi; Karanpreet Singh; Janusz Franco-Bar...; Daniel J. Marston; Edna Cukierman; Klaus M. Hahn; Rakesh K. Kapania; Amrinder S. Nain
• Keywords: Focal Adhesions; 0303 health sciences; Fibroblasts; Article; Actins; Extracellular Matrix; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Neoplasms; Cell Adhesion; Tumor Microenvironment; Humans; Myofibroblasts; Cytoskeleton

Abstract Aligned extracellular matrix fibers enable fibroblasts to undergo myofibroblastic activation and achieve elongated shapes. Activated are able contract, perpetuating the alignment of these fibers. This poorly understood feedback process is critical in chronic fibrosis conditions, including cancer. Here, using fiber networks that serve as force sensors, we identify “3D perpendicular lateral protrusions” (3D-PLPs) evolve from cell extensions named twines. Twines originate stratification cyclic-actin waves traversing swing freely 3D engage neighboring Once engaged, a lamellum forms extends multiple secondary twines, which fill form sheet-like PLP, force-entailing transitions focal adhesions activated (i.e., pathological) 3D-adhesions. The specific morphology PLPs enables cells increase contractility on parallel Controlling geometry confirms anisotropic fibrous environments support 3D-PLP formation function, suggesting an explanation for cancer-associated desmoplastic expansion.