Adhesion behavior of A7R5 cells on fibronectin-coated surfaces

Abstract

Cells bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins, a major family of migration-promoting receptor which supports adhesion to the ECM or other cells and by linking via adapters with actin filaments on the inside of the cell. In this study, we investigate the adhesion dynamics of A7r5 cells, a cell line from the thoracic aorta of embryonic rats, on fibronectin-coated substrates. Understanding how these cells interact and adhere to the aforementioned ECM will contribute to the development of tissue engineered blood vessels. Confocal-reflectance interference contrast microscopy (C-RICM) and phase contrast microscopy are used to monitor contact evolution and two-dimensional (2-D) spreading of these cells to up to 2 hours.