Control of Cell Behavior: Topological Factors2

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Abstract
Three aspects of cell behavior—contact inhibition (overlap of cells), contact guidance, and cell spreading—were investigated on silica substrates of varying topology. Chick-heart fibroblasts from 9-day embryos were used. The cells were grown in a medium containing serum, embryo extract, and saline. Four types of outgrowth developed: cell sheets on glass, cell sheets suspended in the medium between fibers, cells growing on fibers, and cells growing on ridged and furrowed substrates. Cell behavior and morphology were controlled by population density and by the topology of the substrate. Highly convex surfaces enhanced cell overlap, grooves diminished cell overlap. These results are discussed with reference to the mechanism of contact inhibition and the local invasion of tumor cells.

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