Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer
Published on: April 21, 2022
Imaging viscosity of intragranular mucin matrix in cystic fibrosis cells
Sebastian Requena1, Olga Ponomarchuk2,3, Marlius Castillo4
1University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
Abstract:
Abnormalities of mucus viscosity play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis. Currently, there are no approaches to assess the rheological properties of mucin granule matrices in live cells. This is the first example of the use of a molecular rotor, a BODIPY dye, to quantitatively visualize the viscosity of intragranular mucin matrices in a large population of individual granules in differentiated primary bronchial epithelial cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.
Insights
Researchers developed a new method to measure mucus viscosity inside live cells. This technique visualizes mucin granule viscosity, aiding the study of respiratory diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Mucus viscosity is crucial in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
- Existing methods cannot assess mucin granule rheology in living cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for quantifying intragranular mucin viscosity in live cells.
- To enable real-time analysis of mucus properties within individual mucin granules.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a BODIPY-based molecular rotor and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
- Applied the method to differentiated primary bronchial epithelial cells.
- Quantitatively visualized viscosity in a large population of individual granules.
Main Results:
- Successfully visualized and quantified the viscosity of intragranular mucin matrices.
- Demonstrated the ability to assess rheological properties at the single-granule level.
- Established a new tool for studying mucus in live respiratory cells.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first method to measure mucin granule viscosity in live cells.
- The technique offers new insights into the role of mucus rheology in respiratory disease pathogenesis.
- Provides a valuable platform for future research on mucin dynamics and related diseases.
