Fig. 4: ECM ligand cues can override mechanical cues in CF activation and mechanotransduction.
a–n, RNA-seq data analysis and ICC for ECM ligand–receptor interactions and mechanosensing (a–i) and activation (j–n) are shown. a, RNA-seq analysis of ECM receptors and mechanosensitive proteins of young and aged CFs on DECIPHER samples. d–g, Normalized gene expression for highlighted membrane receptors (Ddr2, Itga11 and Itgb3) and intracellular mechanosensors (Zyx). b,c,h–k, Highlighted ICC groups of young CFs on SoftY or StiffY DECIPHER samples stained for nucleus, F-actin and α5 integrin (b), YAP (c) or α-SMA (j and k), and quantified in h and i. SF, stress fibres (j). N = 3 samples for each condition in each ICC (b, c and h–k). l, CF activation genes from the RNA-seq data of young and aged CFs on DECIPHER samples. m,n, Normalized gene expression for CF activation markers (Acta2 and Ccn2) for young and aged CFs on DECIPHER samples. The colour bar indicates the row-standardized expression (a and l). Data are mean ± s.e.m. (d–g, m and n). One-way ANOVA with Fisher’s preplanned multiple comparisons (each pair with one variable, ECM or stiffness) was used for d–i, m and n. Scale bars, 10 µm (inset of α5 integrin in b); 50 µm (b, c, j and k).
