Single-site sonoporation disrupts actin cytoskeleton organization

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Sonoporation utilizes ultrasound-induced microbubble cavitation to transiently permeabilize cell membranes.
• The actin cytoskeleton, interconnected with the plasma membrane, may be affected during sonoporation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate and subsequent effects of sonoporation on the actin cytoskeleton.
• To determine the relationship between sonoporation efficiency and actin disruption.

Main Methods:

• Confocal fluorescence imaging of single-site sonoporation events in ZR-75-30 cells.
• Ultrasound parameters: 1 MHz frequency, 0.45 MPa peak negative pressure, 30 cycles pulse duration.
• Structure tensor analysis to quantify F-actin network changes over 60 minutes post-sonoporation.

Main Results:

• Immediate rupturing of filamentous actin (F-actin) observed at the sonoporation site.
• Further F-actin disassembly occurred within 60 minutes post-sonoporation.
• Greater F-actin disruption correlated with higher tracer uptake; increased G-actin accumulation observed.

Conclusions:

• Sonoporation is not limited to membrane permeabilization but also perturbs actin cytoskeleton organization.
• The actin cytoskeleton undergoes significant disruption following sonoporation, affecting cellular structure.
• Findings suggest a link between membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics during sonoporation.