Topological defects of integer charge in cell monolayers

Abstract: Many cell types spontaneously order like nematic liquid crystals, and, as such, they form topological defects. While defects with topological charge $\pm$1/2 are common in cell monolayers, the defects with charge $\pm$1, relevant in the formation of protrusions and for cell migration in living systems, are more elusive. We use topographical patterns to impose topological charge of $\pm$1 in controlled locations in cell monolayers. We compare the behavior of 3T6 fibroblasts and EpH-4 epithelial cells on such patterns, characterizing the degree of alignment, the cell density near the defects, and their behavior at the defect core. The patterned substrates provide the right conditions to observe isotropic packing of 3T6 cells in the +1 defects. We also observe density variation in the 3T6 monolayers near both types of defects over the same length-scale. These results indicate a defect core size of 150$\mu$m-200$\mu$m, with isotropic packing possible in the +1 defects and, in other cases, a defect core with rich internal structure.