Speaker: Prof. Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
From: University of Pennsylvania
Date / Time / Room: Monday, March 21, 2005 / 3:30 PM / 136 DeBartolo Hall

Title: Subcellular-Scale Force Exertion by Endothelial Cells on Engineered Substrates

Abstract: Endothelial cells comprise the nearly impermeable single cell barrier that lines the lumen of all blood vessels. Physiologically, blood vessel formation is important for wound healing; however, aberrant endothelial cell behavior can lead to tumor formation and numerous vascular diseases including arteriosclerosis, thrombosis and rheumatoid arthritis. We have implemented Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) to investigate individual endothelial cell mechanics in response to extracellular matrix cues. TFM is a powerful method that quantifies the magnitude, direction and spatial location of the traction forces exerted by a cell on its substrate. We are the first group to apply this technique to the study of endothelial cell adhesion. Using TFM, we have determined the relationship between cell force and area over a wide range of ligand concentrations, and have found fundamental differences in cell spreading behavior. To further probe the relationship between traction and cell area, we have also investigated the molecular mechanisms such as focal adhesion and stress fiber formation which are associated with changes in cell adhesion. Such insights into the mechanics of endothelial cell behavior will enable rational design of tissue-engineered therapeutics and new approaches to reverse unregulated cell growth.