Stiffness Affects Keratinocyte Migration
12/14/21
Publication Title:
Agrin-Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 Axis Confers a Mechanically Competent Microenvironment in Skin Wound Healing
Advanced BioMatrix Products Used:
CytoSoft® PDMS Soft Substrate Plates
How the products were used:
CytoSoft® Plates (soft substrate 6-well plates with a thin layer of PDMS of a specific stiffness, including 0.2, 0.5, 2, 8, 16, 32 and 64 kPa) were used to evaluate the affect of matrix stiffness on keratinocyte migration. The data indicate that increased Agrin expression within keratinocytes majorly responds to ECM rigidity sensing, which is necessary and sufficient to drive migration in the wound microenvironment. The soft matrix promoted migration and healing faster than the stiff matrix.
Article Conclusion:
"Agrin enhances the mechanoperception of keratinocytes by augmenting their stiffness, traction stress and fluidic velocity fields in retaliation to bulk substrate rigidity. We propose that Agrin-MMP12 pathway integrates a broad range of mechanical stimuli to coordinate a competent skin wound healing niche."
Link to the publication:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8566503/
