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Related Experiment Videos

Exploring the mechanical behavior of single intermediate filaments.

L Kreplak1, H Bär, J F Leterrier

  • 1M.E Müller Institute for Structural Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel Klingelbergstrasse 70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland. laurent.kreplak@unibas.ch

Journal of Molecular Biology
|November 1, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are crucial for cell structure. This study used atomic force microscopy to reveal that single IFs can stretch significantly, suggesting they act as cellular shock absorbers.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Intermediate filaments (IFs) are vital eukaryotic cell structural components.
  • IF dysfunction or absence severely compromises tissue integrity, especially in skin and muscle.
  • Existing mechanical data for IFs primarily comes from macroscopic tests, with limited single-filament data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly measure the mechanical properties of single cytoplasmic IFs in vitro.
  • To investigate the stretching and deformation behavior of IFs under force.
  • To elucidate the role of IFs as potential mechanical shock absorbers.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based protocol.
  • Studied single IFs adsorbed to a solid support in a physiological buffer.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Applied force using AFM tip to laterally displace and stretch IFs.

    • Main Results:

    • Investigated recombinant murine desmin, human keratin K5/K14, and rat neurofilaments.
    • Observed an average stretching of IFs by 2.6-fold, with a maximum of 3.6-fold.
    • Concomitant observation of a significant reduction in apparent filament diameter upon stretching.

    Conclusions:

    • Single IFs exhibit remarkable extensibility and diameter reduction under force.
    • These mechanical properties support the hypothesis that IFs function as in vivo mechanical shock absorbers.
    • Provides direct single-filament mechanical data, advancing understanding of IFs' structural role.