Shear-related fibrillogenesis of fibronectin

Background: Biomechanical forces can induce transformation of fibronectin from its compact structure to an extended fibrillar state. Adsorption of plasma proteins onto metallic surfaces may also influence their conformation. Methods: We used a cone-plate rheometer to investigate the effect of shear and stainless steel on conformational changes of fibronectin. In control experiments, cones grafted once or twice with polyethylene glycol were used. Plasma fibronectin was added at concentrations of 50 or 100 µg/ml to BSA- or fibronectin-coated plates and subsequently exposed to dynamic shear rates, stepwise increasi…