Proliferation And Collective Migration Of Small Cell Groups Released From Circular Patches

摘要: Collective cell migration is a key element in morphogenesis, cancer formation and wound healing. The multicellular dynamics of epithelial layers were studied experiment theory over the last years. Yet little known about patches finite size that should lead from single behavior to collective motion. Here we study proliferation small assemblies cells (5-23 initially). Cells are released at defined time using removable poly(ethylene glycol)-dimethlacrylate (PEG-DMA) stencils with circular apertures, wherein seeded. Using time-lapse microscopy determine number, patch area shape multiple parallel. We confirm exponential growth number but find expanding faster than early phase. is, however, well-described if superimposed by elastic dilation assuming groups initially compressed. relaxation same order as measured doubling time. Furthermore, analysis center-of-mass movement reveals bursts directed motion, which coincide asymmetric growth. In these cases contours seem result tug-of-war like scenario opposing leader cells.