Controlling Cell Shape and Microtubule Organization by Extracellular Matrix Micropatterning

Abstract

Micropatterning of extracellular matrix proteins enables defining cell position and shape in experiments investigating intracellular dynamics and organization. While such standardization is advantageous in automated and quantitative analysis of many cells, the original methods generating such patterns are cumbersome and inflexible. However, recent development of contact-less methods that allow photochemical generation of protein patterns robustly and rapidly is boosting the broader availability of micropatterning approaches. Here, we describe an optimized protocol to achieve large micropatterned areas with high fidelity using a commercially available microscope-mounted UV projection system.

Keywords: Cell shape; Contactless; Cytoskeleton; Extracellular matrix; LIMAP; Micropatterning; Microtubules; Primo.