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09:26
Pattern Generation for Micropattern Traction Microscopy
Published on: February 17, 2022
Force generation and dynamics of individual cilia under external loading
David B Hill1, Vinay Swaminathan, Ashley Estes
1Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research and Treatment Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Biophysical Journal
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Human airway cilia resist applied forces by reducing beat amplitude and tip velocity, but not frequency. This suggests microtubules dominate axoneme stiffness and cilia generate significant force.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Motile cilia are crucial for physiological functions and implicated in human diseases (ciliopathies).
- Understanding cilia mechanics is vital for addressing related pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the mechanical response of individual human airway cilia to applied forces.
- To determine how force affects ciliary beat parameters and deduce underlying mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Applied calibrated forces to individual human airway cilia using spot-labeled magnetic microbeads.
- Measured changes in ciliary beat amplitude, tip velocity, and frequency in response to force.
Main Results:
- Cilia exhibited an 85% reduction in beat amplitude with 160-170 pN of force.
- Tip velocity decreased proportionally to applied force in both beat directions.
- Beat frequency remained largely unchanged, indicating continuous driving.
Conclusions:
- Axoneme stiffness is primarily determined by microtubule rigidity.
- Individual cilia can generate substantial force (62 ± 18 pN) at the tip.
- Cilia mechanics are force-dependent, impacting their function in fluid dynamics and disease.
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