
Open access
Author
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Date
2016Type
- Journal Article
Citations
Cited 66 times in
Web of Science
Cited 68 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Planar in vitro models have been invaluable tools to identify the mechanical basis of wound closure. Although these models may recapitulate closure dynamics of epithelial cell sheets, they fail to capture how a wounded fibrous tissue rebuilds its 3D architecture. Here we develop a 3D biomimetic model for soft tissue repair and demonstrate that fibroblasts ensconced in a collagen matrix rapidly close microsurgically induced defects within 24 h. Traction force microscopy and time-lapse imaging reveal that closure of gaps begins with contractility-mediated whole-tissue deformations. Subsequently, tangentially migrating fibroblasts along the wound edge tow and assemble a progressively thickening fibronectin template inside the gap that provide the substrate for cells to complete closure. Unlike previously reported mechanisms based on lamellipodial protrusions and purse-string contraction, our data reveal a mode of stromal closure in which coordination of tissue-scale deformations, matrix assembly and cell migration act together to restore 3D tissue architecture. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000113935Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Nature CommunicationsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Nature Publishing GroupOrganisational unit
03627 - Nelson, Bradley J. / Nelson, Bradley J.
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Show all metadata
Citations
Cited 66 times in
Web of Science
Cited 68 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics