Cell morphology and migration

Fig. 2 Simultaneous migration of a human and a mouse neurosphere in the same well. A human (left) and a mouse (right) neurosphere were plated in the same well under the same conditions in DMEM/F12/N2 medium next to each other. Their migration was observed over a time period of 17 h (from to ) with an inverted microscope (Zeiss). Differences between species in cell morphology and migration speed are obvious...

In this chapter, we will demonstrate the advantages of a multi-variate, approach with examples of investigations conducted at NIST to evaluate cell morphology and migration as a function of different characteristics of bioactive surfaces. First, we briefly discuss some of the tools and technologies that are required to make this approach feasible. 

Model Study 2 Cell Morphology and Migration on Rigid Polymeric Surfaces... 

A variety of substrate- and cell-attached factors influence neural development by regulating adhesion properties of cells (see Ch. 7). Interactions occur directly between cells or between a cell and the extracellular matrix (see Ch. 2). The molecules mediating these interactions have been implicated in regulating the specificity and timing of cell-cell adhesion and the consequences on cell morphology and physiology. Hence, they influence the ability of cells not only to migrate but to sort themselves out and to stabilize spatial relationships considered important for the process of differentiation. 

Cell migration and proliferation Fibrous scaffolds consisted of nanotubes and polyurethanes were fabricated by electrospinning. The scaffolds promoted endothelial cell proliferation and migration along the aligned fibers. Han et al. Morphology/composition... 

The principal pigment of human skin, hair, and eyes is melanin, which is synthesized in specialized cells, the melanocytes. They lie between the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (inner layer) as shown in Box 8-F. Melanocytes originate from embryonic nervous tissue and migrate into the skin by the third month of fetal life. They retain the highly branched morphology of neurons. Persons of different races all have the same numbers of melanocytes but the numbers and sizes of the pigmented melanosomes (Box 8-F) vary as does the content and chemical composition of the melanin.a d Melanosomes not only are found in the dendrites of the melanocytes but are transferred from them into adjacent epithelial cells.6 1... 

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