Modulation of cell signals with nanotopography through cytoskeleton actuation*

Nanotopography is a powerful tool for modulating cell migration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this guidance remain elusive. Here we explore how aligned nanoridges guide cell migration by modulating the regulatory signal-transduction excitable network (STEN) coupled with the cytoskeleton excitable network (CEN). We demonstrate that nanoridges guide waves of coordinated signaling molecules and filamentous actin. By applying systematic perturbations to affect the key components in STEN and CEN, we show that STEN is essential for wave formation, whereas CEN act as the primary sensing system for nanotopography.