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Description:
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A key interest in cell biology is the ability to control cell behavior , particularly for creating functional assemblies of cells to restore , maintain or enhance tissue and organ function . Success in controlling cell behavior must include techniques that provide signals which influence the organization , growth and activities of cells . Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that act as external chemical signals and which play a key role in regulation and control of a variety of cellular processes , such as differentiation , proliferation and migration . One of the challenges in controlling these processes using growth factors is the ability to spatially direct their timed release to the cellular environment . Another challenge then becomes the continued ability to influence these processes with the dynamic flexibility to meet the changing cellular demands during tissue development .
We have developed a technology that uses light -activated epidermal growth factor (EGF ) to influence cell behavior . We used peptide synthesis to incorporate a photolabile caging group on a critical residue . The caged -growth factor was inactive until converted with light , which enabled the management of its effects with the precision with which light could be directed . Since the factor was a soluble , diffusible species , it was not limited to a static pattern or substrate . Thus , dynamic control over its mitogenic and chemotactic effects on cell behavior was achieved .
To utilize the light -activated EGF we developed a device for its delivery and activation . The system was a fully automated machine capable of maintaining the strict requirements of cell culture , integrated with components that achieved interchangeable , high resolution patterns , along with an optical system for photo -activating caged growth factors . The instrument was designed , characterized and then used to investigate the effect of light -activated EGF on cell patterning and mobility . Using this device , spatially resolved fibroblast cell patterning and migration were achieved . |