Vertical nanopillar induces deformation of cancer cell and alteration of ATF3 expression

Architecture of cell correlates with the onset of disease. External factors as mechanical force and geometric constraint trigger physical deformation. In this study, we took advantage of nanopillar-based vertical array as a mechanobiological platform to quantitatively deconstruct the relationship between morphological deformation and cell behavior. Technically, this nanoscale platform enables us to make a comprehensive and detailed illustration on alternation of physiological behavior to mechanical stimuli. Morphologically, we found whole cell architecture and nuclear deformation were highly associated with cytoskeleton rearrangement. Mechanistically, we found that cell deformation induced translocation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) into nucleus. Unraveling the signal responding networks associated with morphological deformation will not only increase our understanding of mechanotransduction, but may also encourage the development of a potential therapeutically target to treat diseases.