Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

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...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity01:24

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
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...
Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology01:18

Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology

Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial and alveolar spaces of the lungs, impairing gas exchange and oxygen delivery. It may be cardiogenic or noncardiogenic, but both reduce oxygenation and lung compliance.Cardiogenic Pulmonary EdemaCardiogenic edema results from increased hydrostatic pressure in pulmonary capillaries, usually due to left ventricular dysfunction from myocardial infarction, heart failure, or valvular disease. Ineffective cardiac pumping causes blood to...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Innate Immune Function of Neutrophil Cytoplasts Generated Post-Vital NETosis.

Research square·2026
Same author

Ubiquitin ligase CHFR impairs Tie2 signaling via K <sup>48</sup> -linked ubiquitylation and degradation of Akt1 in endothelial cells.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
Same author

Innate Immune Function of Neutrophil Cytoplasts Generated Post-Vital NETosis.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
Same author

Polyplex of peptide-mannan and RNA for intranasal delivery of TGF-β siRNA in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Bioactive materials·2026
Same author

CaMKKβ regulates transcription factor Elf2 gene methylation to maintain endothelial junctional barrier integrity.

iScience·2026
Same author

Tolerance to Lung Infection in TWIK2 K<sup>+</sup> Efflux Mediated Macrophage Trained Immunity.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
08:05

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces

Published on: September 9, 2022

Cytoskeletal dynamics and lung fluid balance.

Stephen M Vogel1, Asrar B Malik

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA. vogel@uic.edu

Comprehensive Physiology
|June 4, 2013
PubMed
Summary

The endothelial cytoskeleton regulates lung vascular barrier function, preventing fluid leakage. Actin cytoskeleton dynamics, controlled by small GTPases, are crucial for maintaining endothelial junctions and protecting alveoli from flooding.

More Related Videos

Micro-Mechanical Characterization of Lung Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy
11:10

Micro-Mechanical Characterization of Lung Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: August 28, 2011

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways
09:39

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways

Published on: May 9, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
08:05

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces

Published on: September 9, 2022

Micro-Mechanical Characterization of Lung Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy
11:10

Micro-Mechanical Characterization of Lung Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: August 28, 2011

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways
09:39

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways

Published on: May 9, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Endothelial barrier integrity is vital for preventing pulmonary edema.
  • Microvascular endothelium relies on cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion for barrier function.
  • The actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in maintaining endothelial cell shape and junction stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the endothelial cytoskeleton in lung vascular barrier function.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which permeability-increasing agonists affect endothelial barrier.
  • To identify factors involved in endothelial barrier recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of endothelial cell-cytoskeleton interactions.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involving small GTPases (Rho, Cdc42, Rac1) and MLCK.
  • Investigation of the effects of agonists on endothelial adherens junctions and focal adhesions.

Main Results:

  • Activation of Rho GTPases leads to actin cytoskeleton reorganization, cell shape changes, and junction disruption.
  • Contractile actin-myosin stress fibers contribute to increased endothelial permeability.
  • Cdc42 and Rac1 activation promote barrier recovery by inducing filopodia and lamellipodia formation.
  • Sphingosine-1-phosphate acts as a barrier-protective substance.

Conclusions:

  • The endothelial cytoskeleton is a critical regulator of lung vascular permeability.
  • Modulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics by small GTPases is central to barrier function and dysfunction.
  • Targeting cytoskeletal pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for pulmonary edema.