9421425 Truskey This project is on research to evaluate the hypothesis that the size and number of focal contacts regulate cytoskeleton organization which, in turn, controls cell shape and growth. A major problem in cell culture and tissue engineering is retaining morphology and function in vitro. This research will study rat hepatocytes because they are difficult to maintain in a differentiated state in vitro, and spreading has been correlated with changes in cell replication and protein synthesis. The specific aims of this research are to: (1) develop micropatterned surfaces with immobilized peptides and sugar groups; (2) study the effect of pattern dimensions and ligand density upon focal contacts, cytoskeleton organization, cell shape, and growth; and (3) study the effect of perturbations in focal contact area and cytoskeleton organization upon hepatocyte spreading and function. ***
