Nanoscale Surface Topography Reduces Focal Adhesions and Cell Stiffness by Enhancing Integrin Endocytosis

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01934
• Publication Date: 2021-08-04T12:06:04Z
• Authors: Xiao Li; Lasse H. Klausen; Wei Zhang; Zeinab Jahed; Ching-Ting Tsai; Thomas L. Li; Bianxiao Cui
• Keywords: Nanotopography; Mechanotransduction

Both substrate stiffness and surface topography regulate cell behavior through mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Such intertwined effects suggest that engineered topographies might substitute or cancel the of in biomedical applications. However, mechanisms by which cells recognize topographical features are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate presence nanotopography drastically alters such neurons stem cultured on rigid glass substrates behave as if they were soft hydrogels. With atomic force microscopy, show resembles hydrogels reducing membrane tension. Further, reveal reduces focal adhesions enhancing endocytosis subsequent removal integrin receptors. This mechanistic understanding will support rational design directs materials to ones.