Figure 6.

Cell-induced remodelling of cross-linked collagen matrices in the absence and presence of an underlying rigid foundation. Collagen matrices were treated with 0.5% GA prior to cell seeding. Collagen matrices of 1 mg ml⁻¹ and 3 mg ml⁻¹ collagen concentration were imaged using confocal reflectance microscopy. Representative images of collagen fibres in floating (a–d) and attached (g–j) cross-linked collagen networks before and after remodelling by adherent cells. Alignment index for floating (e) and attached (k) collagen matrices was quantified using FFT analysis of at least 30 images of collagen fibres at the tips of cell extensions. The deformation rate by adherent cell in cross-linked collagen matrices was measured from the average speed of beads in the cell periphery area for floating (f) and attached gels (l). Data are reported as mean ± s.d. **p < 0.01 using unpaired Student's t-tests.