UCLA Discovers Migrating Cells' Tendency to Turn Right

The diagonal pattern formed

It has often been said that observation is the key to success in science. A group of researchers at UCLA brought this concept to a whole new level by keeping a close watch on cells as part of a study. Not only did they find patterns in the migration of the cells but they also were able to spot a certain right and left symmetry.

In particular, the UCLA research team created a culture surface of cells and used various protein substrates that were either cell-repellant and cell-adhesive. The floor of the lab surface consisted of stripes of tile and carpet, which created the overall surface change that cells face in a body. Microtechnology was used to observe the cells.

The difference in the surfaces used brought about a completely unexpected discovery: that cells were able to reorganize themselves based on the surfaces they encountered. However, in addition to simply cross the different types of surfaces, the cells also formed a pattern. These migrating cells turned twenty degrees to the right in parallel rows, which created an overall diagonal pattern.

It was not expected that the cells would form this type of pattern, let alone, a pattern at all. The study had been conducted to observe the process of vascular cells forming structures in cultures. Instead, the researchers had observed a left-right assymetry caused by the surfaces.

In the future, this fact can be utilized to have control over the migration of cells and the shapes formed by these cell cultures. Substrate interfaces can be used to develop cells in different ways. This study adds to knowledge of tissue architecture. In particular, this reserach can allow a person's own stem cells to be used for the development of organs. Becuase there are a limited number of organ donations, this research can help to solve this issue.