From Single Cells to Tissues: Interactions between the Matrix and Human Breast Cells in Real Time

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093325
• Publication Date: 2014-04-01T16:35:34Z
• Authors: Clifford Barnes; Lucia Speroni; Kyle P. Quinn; Mael Montevil; Kurt Saetzler; Gbemisola Bode-An...; George McKerr; Irene Georgakoudi; C. Stephen Downes; Carlos Sonnenschein; C. Vyvyan Howard; Ana M. Soto
• Keywords: Elongation; Matrigel; Matrix (chemical analysis)

Background Mammary gland morphogenesis involves ductal elongation, branching, and budding. All of these processes are mediated by stroma - epithelium interactions. Biomechanical factors, such as matrix stiffness, have been established important factors in For example, epithelial cells fail to form normal acinar structures vitro 3D gels that exceed the stiffness a mammary gland. Additionally, heterogeneity spatial distribution acini ducts within individual collagen suggests local organization may guide morphogenesis. Here, we quantified effects both bulk material fiber arrangement on Results The formation from single reorganization network were using time-lapse confocal microscopy. MCF10A organized surrounding fibers during first twelve hours after seeding. Collagen density alignment relative surface significantly increased major influence shaping epithelium. addition Matrigel impaired cell-mediated probability spheroidal rather than branching ducts. mechanical anisotropy created regions highly aligned facilitated elongation which was correlated with organization. In contrast, changes not strong predictor this morphology. Conclusions Localized required for suggesting importance Similar principles govern morphology budding other tissues organs.