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The viscoelastic properties of microvilli are dependent upon the cell-surface molecule

Johanne L Python1, Kristal O Wilson, Jeremy H Snook

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Leukocyte microvilli exhibit unique viscoelastic properties, differing from membrane tethers. Cell-surface molecule interactions, particularly with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1), significantly influence cell deformation dynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Leukocyte deformation is crucial for immune cell function under flow.
  • Microvilli and membrane tethers are key structures involved in cell mechanics.
  • P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) mediates cell adhesion and plays a role in leukocyte interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the viscoelastic properties of microvilli and tethers from myelogenous cells.
  • To determine how cell-surface molecule interactions affect microvillus deformation.
  • To elucidate the role of PSGL-1 in leukocyte mechanical responses.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized nanometer-resolution techniques with a laser trap and polymer beads.
  • Applied step loads to microvilli using beads coated with anti-PSGL-1 (KPL-1) or concanavalin A.
  • Analyzed microvillus lengthening using a viscoelastic model.

Main Results:

  • Microvillus viscoelastic properties depend on the specific cell-surface molecule mediating the load.
  • Compared to pure membrane tethers, microvillus deformation is influenced by the applied force molecule.
  • Cytochalasin D treatment or using concanavalin A-coated beads reduced the quasi-steady state force on microvilli.

Conclusions:

  • PSGL-1 engagement with the actin cytoskeleton significantly impacts early leukocyte deformation.
  • These findings provide insights into the mechanical basis of leukocyte behavior under shear stress.
  • Understanding these viscoelastic properties is vital for comprehending immune cell trafficking and function.

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