Related Experiment Videos
Anisotropic, three-dimensional deformation of single attached cells under compression
Emiel A G Peeters1, Carlijn V C Bouten, Cees W J Oomens
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. e.a.g.peeters@tue.nl
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|November 13, 2004
Summary
This study quantifies cell deformation under mechanical load using a novel device. Cells showed increased width and area but constant volume, with deformation influenced by actin filament orientation.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Quantifying cell deformation under mechanical load is crucial for understanding cellular function.
- Studying attached cells is necessary due to their anchorage dependence for normal functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report new three-dimensional morphometric measurements of cell deformation.
- To quantify cell deformation during stepwise compression experiments using a novel cell loading device.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new cell loading device for global, unconfined compression of individual, attached cells.
- Recorded 3D images of fluorescently stained myoblasts using confocal microscopy.
- Analyzed images with restoration and 3D reconstruction software to quantify deformation.
Main Results:
- Cell width, cross-sectional area, and surface area significantly increased with applied strain.
- Cell volume remained constant during compression.
- Anisotropic deformation of the cell and nucleus occurred perpendicular to actin filaments, suggesting their influence.
Conclusions:
- The study introduces a new method for quantifying 3D cell deformation under compression.
- Anisotropic deformation is linked to the orientation of intracellular actin filaments.
- A shape factor effectively quantifies global cell shape changes during mechanical stress.