Dynamics of epithelial gap closure using microfabrication and micromechanical approaches
type: Dataset
description: Most cells migrate under the appropriate conditions or stimuli; understanding the mechanisms of migration, the players involved, and their regulation, is pivotal to tackle the pathological situations where migration becomes an undesired effect. While largely overshadowed by the study of single cell migration, collective cell migration is a very relevant process that takes place during development as well as in adult life. Collective migration is very relevant for the formation and maintenance of epithelial layers: extensive migratory processes occur during the shape of the embryo, as well as during the healing of a skin incision in the adult. When openings or discontinuities appear in the epithelia, it is crucial that the appropriate mechanisms are activated.In the present work we attempt at deciphering what are the mechanisms involved in gap closure. Until now, most of the literature concerning the subject has reported contradictory results, mainly arising from the complexity of the process and the lack of systematic analysis. We have designed a novel approach to address epithelial gap closure under well-defined and controlled conditions. By using our gap patterning method, we have observed that epithelial cells extend lamellipodia when exposed to a newly available space. Interestingly, we found that the closure of such gap depends on the size: small gaps are closed by a passive physical mechanism, while large gaps are closed through a Rac-dependent cell crawling mechanism, in a collective migration-like manner. 11Abstract (English)Most cells migrate under the appropriate conditions or stimuli; understanding the mechanisms of migration, the players involved, and their regulation, is pivotal to tackle the pathological situations where migration becomes an undesired effect. While largely overshadowed by the study of single cell migration, collective cell migration is a very relevant process that takes place during development as well as in adult life. Collective migr…
identifier: NNT: 2012PA05T061
issued: 2026-05-14T05:30:56.146361
language: en
modified: 2026-05-14T05:30:56.146367
contact point: Organization
  fn: CCSD
keyword: cell-mechanics
keyword: cell-migration
keyword: cicatrisation
keyword: epithelia
keyword: epithelium
keyword: infoeu-reposemanticsdoctoralthesis
keyword: lamellipodia
keyword: mecanique-cellulaire
keyword: microfabrication
keyword: migration-cellulaire
keyword: sdvsalife-sciences-q-bioagricultural-sciences
keyword: soft-substrates
keyword: sustrats-mous
keyword: theses
keyword: wound-healing
landing page: https://theses.hal.science/tel-00793440

Dynamics of epithelial gap closure using microfabrication and micromechanical approaches
type: Distribution
format: HTML
issued: 2026-05-14T05:30:56.161681
modified: 2026-05-14T05:30:56.111181
access URL: https://theses.hal.science/tel-00793440

test_moissonnage_selune
type: Agent