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Related Concept Videos

Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)01:42

Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)

Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration01:32

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins01:13

Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

The cytoskeleton is an essential cell component that plays several structural and functional roles. However, the filaments that make up the cytoskeleton cannot function independently and depend on the accessory or ancillary proteins to effectively carry out their function. Accessory proteins associate with cytoskeletal filaments and their monomers, aiding filament formation and function. They also help in the cross-communication among cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeletal accessory proteins are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Biophysical Assays to Probe the Mechanical Properties of the Interphase Cell Nucleus: Substrate Strain Application and Microneedle Manipulation
16:27

Biophysical Assays to Probe the Mechanical Properties of the Interphase Cell Nucleus: Substrate Strain Application and Microneedle Manipulation

Published on: September 14, 2011

Mapping the cytoskeletal prestress.

Chan Young Park1, Dhananjay Tambe, Adriano M Alencar

  • 1Dept. of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|February 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cell corners are stiffer and more fluid-like, with slower remodeling. Intracellular cytoskeleton stiffness strongly correlates with regional prestress, not F-actin density.

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Study of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Live Endothelial Cells Expressing GFP-Actin
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Biophysical Assays to Probe the Mechanical Properties of the Interphase Cell Nucleus: Substrate Strain Application and Microneedle Manipulation
16:27

Biophysical Assays to Probe the Mechanical Properties of the Interphase Cell Nucleus: Substrate Strain Application and Microneedle Manipulation

Published on: September 14, 2011

Study of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Live Endothelial Cells Expressing GFP-Actin
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The Mechanics of (Poro-)Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
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The Mechanics of (Poro-)Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton

Published on: March 10, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Cellular mechanics
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeletal dynamics

Background:

  • Whole-cell mechanical properties are well-studied.
  • Local intracellular variations in mechanical properties are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To map regional intracellular cytoskeleton (CSK) stiffness, loss tangent, and remodeling rates.
  • To investigate relationships between CSK properties, F-actin density, and cytoskeletal prestress.
  • To characterize regional variations in mechanical properties within intact cells.

Main Methods:

  • Micropatterning of human airway smooth muscle cells.
  • Optical magnetic twisting cytometry for stiffness and loss tangent.
  • Traction microscopy for force distributions.
  • Atomic force microscopy for cell geometry.
  • Finite element methods for intracellular prestress mapping.

Main Results:

  • Cell corners are stiffer, more fluid-like, and support higher traction forces than cell centers or edges.
  • Slower remodeling dynamics were observed in cell corners.
  • Local remodeling dynamics inversely correlated with local cell stiffness.
  • Regional CSK stiffness correlated poorly with F-actin density but strongly with regional prestress.

Conclusions:

  • Regional intracellular mechanical properties vary significantly within intact cells.
  • Cytoskeletal prestress is a primary determinant of regional CSK stiffness.
  • Findings provide a comprehensive characterization of regional cytoskeletal mechanics and their determinants.