Framing Cells in a Different Light with the Micropatterning Cell Picture Show

[spacer] [Cell Picture show]( [spacer] [spacer] Micropatterning Framing Cells in a Different Light A cell’s behavior is largely determined by the forces at play in the cellular microenvironment. But what happens when these in situ factors are removed? How do cells differentiate, adhere, and divide when placed onto an artificial structure? Micropatterning aims to answer these questions by introducing cells to microscopic frameworks. These frameworks can be used to control and dictate cell geometry, organization, and substrate rigidity, allowing scientists to better understand how microenvironments influence cellular development. Fortuitously, the process also produces fascinating microscopic images and videos. In this edition of Cell Picture Show, we spotlight some of the most captivating work being done in micropatterning research. Through these images and videos we’re given a glimpse into how cells behave when they’re taken outside their natural environments. Micropatterning is a powerful addition to the cell biologist’s toolbox, but its use is not widespread. Perhaps the allure of the images in this Cell Picture Show can inspire more scientists to apply micropatterns in their research. [View Picture Show]( A Micropattern Forms (Part 1) A geometrically confined colony of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) uniformly exposed to 50 ng/mL BMP4 inside the chamber of a microfluidic device. The colony self-organizes into a radial pattern of different cell fates. Red Networks Using structural illumination microscopy (SIM), we visualized the actin stress fiber network of U2OS cells fully spread on rectangular frame-like micropatterns coated with fibronectin using phalloidin. Comparing these two cells, it is clear that the internal actin stress fiber architecture is quite different despite controlling the overall shape of the cells. Triple Letter Score Average actin staining over a dozen cells plated on three distinct micropattern shapes: V, T, and Y. Reconstituted Contraction The contraction of reconstituted acto-myosin networks in vitro. Images of time-lapse sequences were overlaid to show the morphologic changes of the network during the contraction process. H Wings Doublets of mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) plated on H-shaped micropatterns. Nuclei are show in yellow, and microtubules are shown in various colors from red to blue. [View Picture Show]( About the Sponsor Hamamatsu Photonics is a leading company of light technology and products. [Find out more]( or [contact us]( to learn about our products. This message has been sent to {EMAIL} from Elsevier Communications on behalf of Cell Press. If you no longer wish to receive messages of this nature from us in the future, please [click here](. Visit the [Elsevier Preference Center]( to manage more of your communication preferences with us. Copyright © 2020 [Elsevier B.V.](. All rights reserved. | [Elsevier Privacy Policy]( Elsevier B.V. Registered Office: Radarweg 29, 1043 NX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Reg. No. 33158992 – Netherlands. VAT No. NL 005033019B01.