AFM sensing cortical actin cytoskeleton destabilization during plasma membrane electropermeabilization.

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Electropermeabilization (EP) is a physical method employing electric field pulses for molecular delivery into cells and tissues.
• The precise mechanisms of plasma membrane destabilization during EP remain incompletely understood.
• The role of the cytoskeleton, particularly the cortical actin network, in modulating plasma membrane properties during EP requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the cytoskeleton in plasma membrane stiffness during electropermeabilization.
• To elucidate the effect of electric fields on the cortical actin network in the context of EP.
• To determine if the destabilization of the cortical actin network is directly linked to plasma membrane permeabilization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to probe plasma membrane properties.
• Applied electric field pulses to cells and tissues.
• Analyzed the structural and mechanical changes in the cortical actin network post-electroporation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that electric pulses destabilize the cortical actin network.
• Showed that this actin network destabilization is not directly correlated with the electropermeabilization of the plasma membrane.
• Atomic Force Microscopy proved effective in studying EP-induced membrane alterations.

Conclusions:

• The cortical actin network is sensitive to electric field pulses, undergoing destabilization.
• Plasma membrane electropermeabilization and cortical actin network destabilization are distinct processes.
• Understanding these separate effects is crucial for optimizing EP applications in medicine and research.