Single cell force profiling of human myofibroblasts reveals a biophysical spectrum of cell states
Open Access
- 1 January 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by The Company of Biologists in Biology Open
- Vol. 9 (3)
- https://doi.org/10.1242/bio.049809
Abstract
Mechanical force is a fundamental regulator of cell phenotype. Myofibroblasts are central mediators of fibrosis, a major unmet clinical need characterised by the deposition of excessive matrix proteins. Traction forces of myofibroblasts play a key role in remodelling the matrix and modulate the activities of embedded stromal cells. Here, we employ a combination of unsupervised computational analysis, cytoskeletal profiling and single cell traction force microscopy as a functional readout to uncover how the complex spatiotemporal dynamics and mechanics of living human myofibroblast shape sub-cellular profiling of traction forces in fibrosis. We resolve distinct biophysical communities of myofibroblasts, and our results provide a new paradigm for studying functional heterogeneity in human stromal cells.Funding Information
- Celgene (AZR00610)
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