Force propagation between epithelial cells depends on active coupling and mechano-structural polarization

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.83588
• Publication Date: 2023-08-07T12:15:12Z
• Authors: Artur Ruppel; Dennis Wörthmüller; Vladimir Misiak; Manasi Kelkar; Irène Wang; Philippe Moreau; Adrien Méry; Jean Révilloud; Guillaume Charras; Giovanni Cappello; Thomas Boudou; Ulrich S Schwarz; Martial Balland
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 570; QH301-705.5; [PHYS.PHYS.PHYS-BIO-PH]Physics [physics]/Physics [physics]/Biological Physics [physics.bio-ph]; Science; [SDV.BC.BC]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Cellular Biology/Subcellular Processes [q-bio.SC]; micropattern; 530; Epithelium; 03 medical and health sciences; force propagation; [SDV.BC.IC]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Cellular Biology/Cell Behavior [q-bio.CB]; cell biology; physics of living systems; Cell Adhesion; polarity; Biology (General); optogenetics; Mechanical Phenomena; Q; R; Epithelial Cells; Cell Biology; mechanobiology; Elasticity; Medicine; Stress, Mechanical; epithelium

Cell-generated forces play a major role in coordinating the large-scale behavior of cell assemblies, particular during development, wound healing, and cancer. Mechanical signals propagate faster than biochemical signals, but can have similar effects, especially epithelial tissues with strong cell–cell adhesion. However, quantitative description transmission chain from force generation sender cell, propagation across boundaries, concomitant response receiver cells is missing. For analysis this important situation, here we propose minimal model system two on an H-pattern (‘cell doublet’). After optogenetically activating RhoA, regulator contractility, measure mechanical by traction monolayer stress microscopies. In general, find that show active so doublet forms coherent unit. also strongly depend mechano-structural polarization assembly, which controlled cell–matrix adhesion to adhesive micropattern. We stronger when axis oriented perpendicular direction propagation, reminiscent Poisson effect passive materials. finally same effects are at work small tissues. Our demonstrates cellular organization tissue key maintain signal strength lead emergence elasticity, means not dissipated like viscous system, over large distances.