Using intuitive arguments, several investigators have proposed that the relative strengths of adhesion of cell to cell and of cell to substratum could determine whether or not monolayering - and specifically contact inhibition of cell overlapping - will occur. In the present communication, these ‘strengths of adhesion’ are given precise physical definitions, and the adhesive relationships which would promote spontaneous cell monolayering are rigorously derived, using the thermodynamic approach embodied in the differential adhesion hypothesis. This analysis verifies that contact inhibition of overlapping could, in principle, be a result solely of differential adhesion. In addition, it is demonstrated that for homogeneous populations of uniform cells cultured on a solid, uniform substratum, eleven distinct equilibrium configurations (cell population morphologies) could be generated merely by varying the relative values of cell-to-cell and cell-to-substratum adhesiveness. Most of these configurations have been observed previously in actual cell cultures.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
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We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
The Forest of Biologists
We are excited to announce the launch of The Forest of Biologists, a new biodiversity initiative created with support from the Woodland Trust, aiming to counteract nature loss and safeguard some of the most critically endangered ecosystems for future generations. For every Research Article and Review/Commentary article that is published in JEB (and our sister journals Development, Journal of Cell Science, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open), a native tree is planted in a forest in the UK.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025
Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Editorial: Publishing where it matters
Cell Scientists to Watch
As a community-focused journal, Journal of Cell Science is keen to support the next generation of cell biologists. Check out Cell Scientists to Watch, our interview series featuring talented researchers who have recently set up their own labs.
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