Insights into the Behavior of Adherent Cells from the Mechanics of Liquid Droplets

Department of Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series

"Insights into the Behavior of Adherent Cells from the Mechanics of Liquid Droplets"

Eric R. Dufresne
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
Yale University

Abstract: Cells generate force to adhere, move and reorganize. These capabilities play a vital role in the function of healthy tissues. In recent decades, we've learned a tremendous amount about the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular mechanics. However, we do not have a systems-level understanding that reconciles molecular-scale complexity with mechanical behavior at the cell and tissue scales.

We measure forces generated by clusters of adherent epithelial cells. These studies reveal a simple scaling of mechanical output with system size and suggest helpful analogies between cell adhesion and the wetting of simple liquids. To test this simple mechanical picture, we perform control experiments on microscopic drops of water adhering to deformable substrates. Surprisingly, we find that this simple system recapitulates mechanical phenomena of living cells that are widely thought to require active processes, including the development of traction stresses, spontaneous motion in a stiffness gradient, and stiffening of the 'extracellular' matrix. These biologically inspired experiments have led to new insights into the mechanics of soft matter at small scales. We hope that these new perspectives on the mechanics of cells and soft matter will facilitate a systems-level understanding of the mechanics of cells and tissues.

When: Thursday, January 22nd, 2015
Place: 10 Amistad Room 112
Time: 4PM
Hosted by: Jay D. Humphrey