Microglia mechanics: Immune activation alters traction forces and durotaxis

Bollmann L, Koser DE, Shahapure R, Gautier HOB, Holzapfel GA, Scarcelli G, Gather MC, Ulbricht E, Franze K (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience Frontiers Research Foundation / Frontiers Media

Book Volume: 9

Pages Range: 1-16

Journal Issue: September

DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00363

Abstract

Microglial cells are key players in the primary immune response of the central nervous system. They are highly active and motile cells that chemically and mechanically interact with their environment. While the impact of chemical signaling on microglia function has been studied in much detail, the current understanding of mechanical signaling is very limited. When cultured on compliant substrates, primary microglial cells adapted their spread area, morphology, and actin cytoskeleton to the stiffness of their environment. Traction force microscopy revealed that forces exerted by microglia increase with substrate stiffness until reaching a plateau at a shear modulus of 〜5 kPa. When cultured on substrates incorporating stiffness gradients, microglia preferentially migrated toward stiffer regions, a process termed durotaxis. Lipopolysaccharide-induced immune-activation of microglia led to changes in traction forces, increased migration velocities and an amplification of durotaxis. We finally developed a mathematical model connecting traction forces with the durotactic behavior of migrating microglial cells. Our results demonstrate that microglia are susceptible to mechanical signals, which could be important during central nervous system development and pathologies. Stiffness gradients in tissue surrounding neural implants such as electrodes, for example, could mechanically attract microglial cells, thus facilitating foreign body reactions detrimental to electrode functioning.

Authors with CRIS profile

Kristian Franze

Involved external institutions

University of St Andrews GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB) Technische Universität Graz AT Austria (AT) University of Maryland US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Bollmann, L., Koser, D.E., Shahapure, R., Gautier, H.O.B., Holzapfel, G.A., Scarcelli, G.,... Franze, K. (2015). Microglia mechanics: Immune activation alters traction forces and durotaxis. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 9(September), 1-16. https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2015.00363

MLA:

Bollmann, Lars, et al. "Microglia mechanics: Immune activation alters traction forces and durotaxis." Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 9.September (2015): 1-16.

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