Fig. 3
From: Schwann cell durotaxis can be guided by physiologically relevant stiffness gradients
Schwann cell morphology was insensitive to increased stiffness across different mechanically uniform substrates. a Cellular spread area, c elongation (Feret diameter), and e nuclear aspect ratio were quantified for each substrate stiffness. Data is graphed with box (25th, median, and 75th percentiles) and whisker (5th and 95th percentile) plots; dots are individual values beyond upper and lower 5th percentile. Relative to the morphologic cell response on uniform substrates, Schwann cells increased their b spread area and d elongation on the steep gradient substrates. In contrast, a decreased response was observed on the shallow gradient substrates. f Schwann cells elongated their nuclei on both gradient substrates, as indicated by increased nuclear aspect ratio. Statistical significance indicated by * for p <0.01, ** for p <0.001, and *** for p <0.0001, assessed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA with Dunn’s post-test