Synergistic Regulation of Cell Functions by Matrix Rigidity and Adhesive Pattern Using an Elastomeric Micropost Array System

Interactions between cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) play a critical role in regulating cell function [1-2]. Recent studies have primarily focused on mechanotransduction by cells to sense and respond to matrix rigidity. Through these studies, it becomes clear that mechanotransduction is likely mediated by the complex interplay between the mechanosensitive focal adhesion (FA) signaling and actomyosin-mediated cytoskeletal contraction [3-4]. However, the impact of other ECM features such as adhesive ECM patterns on cellular sensing of ECM rigidity is still elusive and not well characterized. Here, we performed a systematic study to investigate the independent effect of adhesive ECM pattern on matrix rigidity-mediated mechanoresponsive behaviors of different adherent cells, including NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), by using a novel library of microfabricated synthetic elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropost arrays [5-6].