Figure 5.

Modeling the dynamic mechanical cues at cell-ECM interfaces using a customized microfluidic device

(A) Sketch of the collagen remodeling caused by repeated pressurization and relaxation of the underlying PDMS membrane, which then delivers dynamic mechanical cues to the SA cells.

(B) Remodeling of the collagen matrix leads to cell shape transition (phase contrast). The nuclear shape (green) remains mostly unaffected.

(C) Distribution of nuclear and cell area changes suggests that remodeling of the collagen matrix brings no obvious effects on the nuclear shape.

(D) Subjected to repeated collagen remodeling at frequencies ranging from 1/20 to 1/90 min⁻¹, 1/20 min⁻¹ TNF-α is insufficient to achieve NF-κB oscillation frequency comparable with ICM. NF-κB dynamics is, however, enhanced, when the frequency of induced collagen remodeling is 1/20 min⁻¹ or mode hopping between 1/20 and 1/30 min⁻¹. The error bars represent standard deviation of population cells' NF-κB oscillation frequency through NE.