The effect of surface topography on cell shape and early ERK1/2 signaling in macrophages; linkage with FAK and Src

Implant surface topography can modulate macrophage behavior during wound healing by the production of proinflammatory cytokines. This study investigated the activation of FAK, Src, and ERK1/2 signaling intermediates of the proinflammatory ERK1/2 pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages in response to polished (P), coarse-grit-blasted (B), acid etched (E), and grit-blasted and etched (SLA) surface topographies. In addition, the effects of these topographies on cell spreading, vinculin organization, and viability were determined. Macrophages on the SLA surface changed from predominantly well-spread cells to ones with a more spherical morphology over time. In contrast, macrophages on the P surface changed from being predominantly spherical cells to well spread. The morphological changes were associated with changes in the distribution of vinculin. The overall patterns of the pFAK, pSrc, pERK1/2 levels as well as pERK1/2 nuclear translocation associated with cell shape with greater activation being seen with a more spread morphology. These results suggest that surface topography differentially activates signaling pathways that affect cell function and raise the possibility that topographies can be designed to optimize desired cell responses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.