Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Cell Adhesion To Crystal Surfaces: A Model For Initial Stages In The Attachment Of Cells To Solid Substrates, D. Hanein, B. Geiger, L. Addadi

Cells and Materials

This study addresses the mechanism of the chirally-restricted, ROD-independent adhesion of A6 epithelial cells to the {011} faces of calcium {R,R)-tartrate tetrahydrate crystals. The extensive and rapid adhesion of the cells to these surfaces, in the presence or absence of serum proteins, is distinctly different from the extracellular matrix-mediated adhesion to conventional tissue culture surfaces or to the {101} faces of the same crystals. The differences are manifested by insensitivity to ATP depletion, to disruption of microfilaments and microtubules and even to formaldehyde fixation of the cells. Furthermore, trypsin pretreatment does not affect cell attachment to the {011} faces, nor …