Physics and Physiology of Cell Spreading in Two and Three Dimensions
Paul A. Janmey, Boris Hinz, Christopher A. McCulloch
Abstract
Cells spread on surfaces and within three-dimensional (3-D) matrixes as they grow, divide, and move. Both chemical and physical signals orchestrate spreading during normal development, wound healing, and pathological states such as fibrosis and tumor growth. Diverse molecular mechanisms drive different forms of cell spreading. This article discusses mechanisms by which cells spread in 2-D and 3-D and illustrates new directions in studies of this aspect of cell function.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyFunction (biology)Cell physiologyCell functionCellNeuroscienceCell biologyField (mathematics)Cognitive sciencePhysiologyPsychologyGeneticsMathematicsPure mathematicsCellular Mechanics and Interactions3D Printing in Biomedical ResearchCancer Cells and Metastasis