Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Studying the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on Cellular Function using Acrylamide-based Hydrogels
Published on: August 10, 2010
Time course of actin cytoskeleton stiffness and matrix adhesion molecules in human bronchial epithelial cell cultures
Blandine Doornaert1, Valérie Leblond, Emmanuelle Planus
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U492 de Physiopathologie et Thérapeutique Respiratoires, Faculté de Médecine, 94010 Créteil, France.
Abstract:
Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells adhere to underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) via integrin-type transmembrane receptors. Integrins link the ECM to the cytoskeleton (CSK), establishing a mechanical continuum by which forces are transmitted between the outside and the inside of the cells. The present study investigates the time course of global and actin CSK stiffness of HBE cells (16HBE14o-) growing on various matrix substrates as a function of culture time until confluence, and the concomitant time course of F-actin and adhesion molecule distribution. Our results showed a progressive increase in actin CSK stiffness from cell seeding to confluence, related to acquisition of highly polymerized cortical and cytosolic F-actin organization and up-regulation of certain matrix ligands, such as beta 1-, alpha 5-, and alpha v-integrin subunit expression. Moreover, compared to fibrillar type I collagen, reticular type IV collagen used as matrix substrate, appeared to amplify actin CSK stiffness of HBE confluent cells probably in relation to up-regulation of alpha 3-integrin subunit. Taken together, these results support the concept of a close interaction among actin CSK stiffness, structural actin organization, specific integrin molecule involvement, cell spreading, and extracellular matrix.
Related Concept Videos
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments
The high-order actin networks...
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

