Epithelial Monolayers Coalesce on a Viscoelastic Substrate through Redistribution of Vinculin

The mechanical properties of the microenvironment play a large role in influencing cellular behavior. In particular, the tradeoff between substrate viscosity and elasticity on collective cell migration by adherent cells is highly physiologically relevant, but remains poorly understood. To investigate the specific effects of viscous substrates, we plated epithelial monolayers onto polydimethylsiloxane substrata with a range of viscosities and elasticities. We found that on viscoelastic substrates the monolayers underwent rapid and coordinated movement to generate cell-free areas.

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