Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading

Details Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading

2004-05-07

arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0405008v1

Biology

Quantitative Biology

Cell Behavior

4 pages, 5 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.108105

We monitored isotropic spreading of mouse embryonic fibroblasts on fibronectin-coated substrates. Cell adhesion area versus time was measured via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Spreading proceeds in well-defined phases. We found a power-law area growth with distinct exponents a_i in three sequential phases, which we denote basal (a_1=0.4+-0.2), continous (a_2=1.6+-0.9) and contractile (a_3=0.3+-0.2) spreading. High resolution differential interference contrast microscopy was used to characterize local membrane dynamics at the spreading front. Fourier power spectra of membrane velocity reveal the sudden development of periodic membrane retractions at the transition from continous to contractile spreading. We propose that the classification of cell spreading into phases with distinct functional characteristics and protein activity patterns serves as a paradigm for a general program of a phase classification of cellular phenotype. Biological variability is drastically reduced when only the corresponding phases are used for comparison across species/different cell lines.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-111958