Conclusions
Our data suggest that Girdin helps directional migration in collagen microtracks by promoting actin cytoskeletal organization and maintaining morphological cell polarity.
Methods
We utilized a microfabricated platform to recreate these microtracks in vitro using collagen and used siRNA to knockdown Girdin in MDA-MB-231 cells.
Results
Our data indicate that knockdown of Girdin results in decreased cell speed during 3D collagen microtrack migration. Loss of Girdin also results in altered cell morphology and cell orientation. Moreover, Girdin-depletion impairs actin organization and stress fiber formation, which can be restored by upregulating the GTPase RhoA. Activation of RhoA induces actin stress fiber formation, restores elongated migratory cell shape and partial cell migration in 3D collagen microtracks in the absence of Girdin. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Girdin helps directional migration in collagen microtracks by promoting actin cytoskeletal organization and maintaining morphological cell polarity.